Newcastle United news: Rafael Benitez anticipates another ‘difficult’ transfer window in January

Newcastle United news: Rafael Benitez anticipates another ‘difficult’ transfer window in January
Rafael Benitez has dampened any expectations Newcastle could be busy in the January transfer window, saying it will prove “difficult” to improve his squad.Newcastle have been linked with a number of stars including Atlanta United striker Miguel Almiron.2

The Magpies are out of the relegation zone but it’s set to be a difficult season for them

Two straight wins have eased the pressure on Benitez ahead of Monday’s Premier League trip to Burnley and he might have to continue relying on his current squad to haul themselves further to safety.Benitez said: “It’s January so it’s quite difficult – it’s not a question of much (money), it’s a question of how to find the right player.“It’s quite a difficult window because the top-class players normally are playing in the Champions League and with top teams, so it’s very difficult for them to change.“We don’t have too many options so we have to keep working hard and if we find the right player then we have to start talking about that.” Benitez’s plans suffered a setback during the international break when defender Paul Dummett suffered a calf injury playing for Wales against Denmark, ruling him out of the trip to Turf Moor and possibly beyond.But he is not short of options, especially at the back with the imminent return of Florian Lejeune likely to give him additional strength for the pivotal Christmas period.Lejeune has been ruled out with a serious knee injury since July but is making faster than expected progress and has begun to take part in some training sessions at the club’s Benton base.“Lejeune is still not available but he has been doing a full training session with the team so he is getting closer,” added Benitez.2

Newcastle travel to Burnley on Monday night having won their last two games

“It is important for any manager to have competition in each position, so when you have a player like him who did so well last season, it means the other players are competing for the place will give everything.”Benitez has a trio of further injury concerns ahead of the Burnley game, with skipper Jamaal Lascelles (shoulder) and Jonjo Shelvey and Yoshinori Muto (both calf) facing further tests over the weekend.

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West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini has warned Marko Arnautovic to knuckle down and focus on football next season. Arnautovic scored his first goals since January as the Hammers swept aside
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Tottenham news: Mauricio Pochettino backs young midfielder Oliver Skipp to become 'top player' after impressing in Burnley win Skipp, 18, made his first senior start in the 1-0 win against
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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insisted he was never worried about Mohamed Salah's form after the forward scored a hat-trick against Bournemouth. Salah's treble helped Liverpool to a 4-0 win and
Jurgen Klopp never worried about hat-trick hero Mohamed Salah

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Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino has named his starting line-up for the club's Champions League semi-final first leg against Ajax. The Spurs boss is hampered by injuries, suspension and ineligibility for the big European night at the new stadium.
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has warned his under-performing players that he "will be successful" at Manchester United but some of them "won't be part of that". United, who face Manchester City live on
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Former Manchester United star Dimitar Berbatov has likened Romelu Lukaku to Barcelona legends Xavi and Andres Iniesta. The striker has started United's last three games due to injuries to Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard, and the Belgium striker has taken his chance, scoring twice in a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

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Champions League final player ratings: Harry Kane gamble backfired for Spurs, while Virgil van Dijk was outstanding for winners Liverpool by: 161385360554578 — Talk Sport 1 Jun Mohamed Salah and Divock Origi fired Liverpool to Champions League glory against Tottenham.
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West Ham handed a boost in Moussa Marega chase MSN; Wolves interested in Marega Soccer News; West Ham transfer news: Moussa Marega expected to join Hammers with Porto selling forward for £30m this summer Talksport. West Ham are set to sign Porto striker Moussa Marega in a £30million deal, according to reports.
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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had unusual clause in his Arsenal

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Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has been branded 'unprofessional' for admitting he only watched 20 minutes of Callum Hudson-Odoi's full England debut against Montenegro. Former Blues striker Tony Cascarino was stunned by the Italian coach's comments, and is certain he will not be in charge of the club next season.
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri 'unprofessional' for barely

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