RAFA BENITEZ has a familiar feeling on the transfer front as Newcastle United manager, with time running out to bring in the players he needs.

Just like in the summer, when he was left frustrated by a failure to land the players he had hoped for, Benitez is halfway through the January window without making any additions.

And, like during the close season, he is finding it difficult to bring in the extra goalkeeper he feels is required to help Newcastle climb further clear of the relegation zone between now and the end of the campaign.

Italian sources claim there has been a fresh attempt made to Napoli to try to lure Pepe Reina back to the Premier League, although with his wages and £10m fee it would only seem likely if there was a loan agreement reached.

And a possible loan deal has been dismissed by Sparta Prague after Newcastle attempted to take Slovakian shot-stopper Martin Dubravka to St James’ Park.

Benitez spent the summer trying to sign Reina and Wily Caballero and now he is finding it just as tough to bring in the extra keeper to compete with Rob Elliot, Karl Darlow and Freddie Woodman.

He knows what players are within reach having spoken to a number of agents and managing director Lee Charnley, but the same problems remain – he still doesn’t know what budget he has to use before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

Loan deals suit owner Mike Ashley at the moment because of the ongoing uncertainty over the future of the club and the takeover talks with Amanda Staveley, but other teams are less willing to sanction temporary deals.

That has been the case so far with Chelsea and why Newcastle have been unable to get the loan deal pushed through for their Brazilian winger Kenedy. It also looks like another Blues player on Newcastle’s radar, Charly Musonda, is heading for Bournemouth.

Benitez has spoken openly about his wish to have his squad in place by January 20, when Newcastle will head for runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City.

That will not happen, with the Spaniard even still concerned that there will be a lack of incomings in the remaining fortnight of the window.

The situation is making it harder for Benitez to grant departures too. There is interest from West Ham in Chancel Mbemba and Jonjo Shelvey, but he can’t consider sales of important members of the squad until others have been brought in.

Jack Colback and Jamie Sterry have been named by Benitez as the most likely to leave, although neither have had a role to play this season.

Hearts, meanwhile, are keen on Kyle Cameron. He has not figured for the first team but the 20-year-old has had spells with Workington, Newport and York.