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Rafael Benitez staying loyal to Newcastle despite transfer failings

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Rafael Benitez says he is confident Newcastle can add to their squad before the January transfer window closes

Rafael Benitez insists he is not ready to walk away from Newcastle despite enduring a frustrating January transfer window.

The Magpies have secured just one signing this month, with Chelsea's Kenedy joining on loan until the end of the season, but have had two bids for Feyenoord striker Nicolai Jorgensen turned down and saw Daniel Sturridge opt to join West Brom.

Benitez has been linked with a number of other clubs in recent months after previously speaking of his discontent with Newcastle's transfer policy, but the Spaniard says he will remain loyal to his current employers.

File photo dated 17-01-2018 of Chelsea's Kenedy.
Image: Kenedy could make his Newcastle debut against Burnley on Wednesday

"My future is very simple and very clear," Benitez said ahead of Wednesday's match against Burnley. "Still we have one day for doing business. After that, still we can analyse where we are.

"But I don't think that will change too much because I have a responsibility to the fans, to the players, to the club. I understand. I have been here for a while and I understand the feelings of everyone.

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"But it's like this, so we have to be sure that if we go there, I am the first one that will push and give everything and then that will be an example to the players too.

"Sometimes you just have to say, 'Okay, I will do what I have to do'. I have the belief and confidence that even in the more difficult circumstances, still we can stay up and we try to think about that."

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Credit: West Bromwich Albion FC
Image: Daniel Sturridge turned down a loan move to Newcastle in favour of West Brom

Benitez reportedly held talks with owner Mike Ashley on Tuesday and admitted their failings in the transfer market shows that "something is wrong" at St James' Park.

"It is not the ideal situation when you have been working for months, preparing names and analysing players," he said.

"Then you go to January 1 with a list of players and then you start with the names, the main targets that you have and after, you have to go to the 31st and you're waiting for a phone call from someone else.

"It means that something is wrong."

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