Wednesday 17 August 2016 14:09, UK
Rafa Benitez is determined to strengthen after seeing Newcastle slip to successive defeats in the Sky Bet Championship - and says he's not just looking for big names.
The former Real Madrid boss decided to stay on as Newcastle manager despite the club's relegation from the Premier League last season and has spent more than £40m to bolster his squad.
However, key players including Georginio Wijnaldum and Andros Townsend have departed the club this summer and Benitez's side have yet to pick up a point in the Championship after losing 1-0 to Fulham and 2-1 to Huddersfield.
Benitez admitted the unexpected defeats have revealed where the club need to strengthen, with the Spaniard now focused on bringing in consistent performers over high-profile signings.
"We know what we need," said Benitez. "We knew what we needed and now it's just a confirmation that we need that. So the question is can you get the player you want?
"When the Premier League clubs have some money it makes it more difficult because they can spend more money and you can see the prices of the players. It's not realistic but it's what you have.
"So we have to make sure we sign the players that we need. It's not important the name now, it's just that we're sure they can do the job."
Benitez would not comment on the club's reported interest in Everton defender Brendan Galloway and said the club will have to wait to see what happens in the remainder of the transfer window.
Newcastle face Reading in their third Championship game of the season on Wednesday night, but Benitez is still unsure over the future of Moussa Sissoko, who has expressed his desire to leave the club this summer - with Real Madrid top of his wishlist.
Benitez acknowledged situations like this are expected but questioned why the transfer window is still open during the playing season.
"We have experience and we know that these things can happen," said Benitez. "The main thing is why is the transfer window still open? It is something that someone has to realise is not right.
"Still, we know that it is like this and we have to deal with the situation. It is not perfect but we know that we have some clubs asking about Sissoko, about other players, and we are talking about other players.
"So we have to wait these 15 days and after everything will be settled down and it will be easier for us."
