RAFAEL BENITEZ has admitted that he is still in the market for more players as Newcastle United prepare to start life in the Championship on Friday.

The Magpies boss has already brought in six new signings and they were all fielded during this afternoon’s final friendly of the summer when they defeated Vitesse Arnhem 3-2.

Newcastle had an £8m offer for Brighton’s Anthony Knockaert rejected on Friday but they are expected to make a fresh offer for the Frenchman.

Benitez is happy with the progress so far that has been made on the transfer front but he would prefer further additions ahead of the season opener at Fulham.

The Spaniard said: “We are still working behind the scenes and trying to do some deals.

“I am happy but I still think we need more balance. We have 46 games to play in the Championship.

“The squad is not short but we have players who maybe will leave. We have to replace those players. We are working with the agents of the players who are currently here.”

Newcastle cruised into a three goal lead before half-time against Dutch side Vitesse.

A deflected Matt Ritchie effort opened the scoring and that was followed by Dwight Gayle’s first goal on home turf in a Newcastle shirt. Jack Colback added a third before the break.

Newcastle are favourites to make a quick return to the Premier League after a summer when Benitez boosted the fans by staying in charge following relegation.

Benitez, who is due to have France midfielder Moussa Sissoko back at the club on Monday but he has been linked with a number of Champions League clubs, said: “For me it is a challenge. I decided to stay because the club and the fans were fantastic with me. I want to win promotion this year and if I am here it is because I think we can do it.”