Newcastle United FC @NUFC
At least eight subs at the break for #NUFC. Darlow, Yedlin, Clark, Colback, Hayden, Pérez, Murphy and Gayle are all coming on.
From the mirror
Rafa Benitez hopes Mike Ashley doesn’t make him regret turning his back on a Chinese fortune – after insisting theNewcastle owner will keep his promises on transfer cash.
The Toon boss revealed that he turned down the opportunity to make a mint in the Far East after Ashley assured him that he would be given the funds to build a squad fit for Premier League purpose.
But Newcastle’s business has been slow, with centre-back Florian Lejeune arriving from Eibar for £8.7million and Christian Atsu completing a £6.5m switch from Chelsea.
Benitez said: “When I had the meeting with Mike we were talking about the money he would give us for doing the signings.
“The budget was fine. We have the resources to do what we want to do – but now we have to do it.
“I cannot talk about why signings have not yet happened – but I can say that I am still confident that Mike will keep his word.
“I decided to stay because it is a massive club, because of the fans, and also so that I could stay in England and be close to my family.
“I could have gone somewhere else and made more money. If you go to China you can make a lot of money.
“But I stayed – and now it is my priority for Newcastle to stay in the Premier League and do well.”
He added: “I asked the question to Mike if I can spend all the money on one player or if I must spend it on many players.
“He said that the budget is mine and I can do what I want with the numbers he has given me. It is the same with wages.
“We still have time to buy players until the end of next month and I am confident that we will do it.”
Neither really, he mentions Jan and the 30mil profit & they tried to go early (this summer) but sometimes you have to wait. He knows the numbers and what resources they have and still remains confident.
It was on sky sports.
Could the quotes be to put pressure on thumb heed from MA ? I'm clinging here.
Edit just seen Rafa on sky he still seems pretty confident he'll get what he needs