RAFAEL BENITEZ remains confident there will be positive news on the transfer front before the deadline on Tuesday, even if Newcastle United are not close to announcing any new arrivals.
The Magpies boss, speaking ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup fourth round tie at Oxford United, is still looking to add a central-midfielder and a winger before the window closes.
Crystal Palace’s Andros Townsend is a top priority, while Everton’s James McCarthy remains on the radar too.
Benitez said: “You know I like Andros but at the moment no news, we are happy with the squad. We have to try to find something that gives more balance. As a manager you always want to improve.”
He added: “Still, I am quite positive that maybe we can do something, we have to balance if possible. There are still some days and there is no news. I am still confident. No names.
“I am happy with the squad, but you cannot control injuries. It is always important because we are so close, we have to be ready.”
United goalkeeper Karl Darlow has emerged as a player considered by Chelsea as a replacement for Asmir Begovic, but he is not under consideration to sell.
Benitez said: “Karl, little by little, was improving and he has worked very hard and he did well when Matz Sels lost his place.
“Karl has done really well and is playing with more confidence, improving with the goalkeeper coach. I am pleased with him. We are not considering sell him, I have read in the press (the link to Chelsea).”
In fact Benitez does not want to sell any of the keepers still at the club, while admitting Tim Krul has been the subject of interest despite being on loan at Ajax.
He said: “I am happy with my goalkeepers. They have to compete and if they are doing well then they will have a better chance of playing or being on the bench.
“The only player is on loan is Tim Krul and we have clubs asking because he is a top class keeper. The others have to stay here.”
Newcastle will only be without Vurnon Anita, Dwight Gayle and Rolando Aarons through injury for the trip to Oxford. That means Aleksandar Mitrovic could figure at the Kassam Stadium.
Benitez said: “Mitro has lost some training sessions and it’s important to approach the game using the squad with the players away in the Africa Cup of Nations.
"We need to balance the team and be careful with players come back from injuries, some may need football.
“You have to go down that route, with some young players too, because we have a lot of games in a row. We need to balance the team with some players come back from injury and others already playing.”
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