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Rafael Benitez says Newcastle must add to squad despite turnaround

Rafael Benitez Francisco de Miguel Moreno during the match at St James' Park, Newcastle. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday October 20, 2018. See PA story SOCCER Newcastle. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications
Image: Rafael Benitez says 'now we are running and hopefully we can sprint'

Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez hopes a recent upturn in form will not lessen the club’s appetite to invest in new signings.

After 10 league games without a win, back-to-back victories have lifted Newcastle to 14th in the Premier League, a point above the relegation zone with seven points from their last three games.

The Magpies will look to make it three wins on the bounce when they travel to Burnley on Monday, live on Sky but, despite a marked improvement in results, Benitez feels the squad should still be strengthened in January.

"We cannot stop winning because we have to do a good January window," the Spaniard said.

"I would like to go into January 1 with a lot of wins.

Burnley v Newcastle United
Image: Newcastle visit Burnley in Monday Night Football

"Always January is quite difficult. It's not a question of how much - it's a question of finding the right players and, if you see a player you like, that's when you talk about what you can do.

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Rafael Benitez is hopeful Newcastle can attract some new players in January

"It's quite a difficult window. I always say the same because the top-class players are normally playing in the Champions League in the top teams and it's very difficult for them to change."

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Salomon Rondon during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and AFC Bournemouth at St. James Park on November 10, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
Image: Salomon Rondon scored both goals in Newcastle's 2-1 win over Bournemouth

Benitez revealed the club are targeting new arrivals but insists the more immediate aim is to maintain momentum and confidence within the squad, as the Premier League returns from a two-week international break.

"We started walking, now we are running and hopefully we can sprint," he said.

"It doesn't matter what you do, it's what you have to do in terms of improving the squad. I always say it's a long distance race.

"We are working on players and working on names, but at the same time we have to keep winning.

"As soon as you start winning games everyone can see what you have done is positive and hopefully we can keep doing the same."

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