Thursday 14 January 2021 01:54, UK
Rafa Benitez has hinted Newcastle’s transfer activity this month could affect his future at St James’ Park.
Newcastle boss Benitez, whose contract at the club expires at the end of the season, said last month that his side would need a "miracle" to avoid relegation, even if they made January signings.
Reports in the national press this week claimed the Spaniard will leave Newcastle unless the club bring in the two signings he wants.
Asked about the report, Benitez said: "My conversations with Mike Ashley or Lee Charnley are exactly the same. We know where we are, we know what we have to do and after we can sit down and talk.
"At the moment I did not say anything yet."
Asked if his future will be affected by incomings this month, he replied: "Obviously everything has an influence.
"At the moment, I'm really pleased with the potential of the city, the club, everything, and it's just to be sure that we are doing the right things. Then I'm quite happy to talk."
Benitez was reluctant to discuss the signing of Lazio defender Jordan Lukaku on Friday afternoon.
Later that evening, it emerged that the deal to sign the left-back, who had a medical on Tyneside on Friday, had fallen through on medical grounds, according to Sky sources.
"You know I will not talk about transfer windows," he said. "I will not talk about any players, because we have who we have.
"Lee (Marshall), director of communications, has given me a lot of names that are in the media, but I will not talk about anyone.
"January is a difficult window. The top sides are normally in the Champions League or Europa League, and it is difficult to find players."
Benitez confirmed there will be no new signings in the squad for the FA Cup fourth-round tie against Watford on Saturday, and was quick to dismiss reports that Jacob Murphy is close to joining West Brom.
"At the moment, if we don't bring in anybody, it will be difficult for anybody to leave," he added.
"It would have to be a position where we have two or three players. That is not the case with Jacob at the moment."
When asked if failure to sign new faces will put the team in serious danger in the Premier League, Benitez said: "It will be difficult either way.
"This group of players are working hard, are trying hard to get some results against teams. It has to be like that until the end of the season, but signing or not signing players, it will be difficult for sure."
