Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has refused to shed any light on his side’s potential transfer dealings this January despite confirming he is in daily talks with managing director Lee Charnley.
The Spaniard made a conscious effort to avoid any talk of the upcoming window during his press conference on Friday afternoon, but did suggest that he and the club’s board were in discussions.
As quoted in the Chronicle, he said: “I decided before I came to the press conference not to talk about the transfer window. I speak to Lee Charnley everyday but I decided not to talk about the transfer window.”
The Magpies’ boss has previously expressed his desire to bring in a left-back and a new creative player.
OPINION
The situation on Tyneside is a difficult one to read at the moment. On the one hand, if Benitez was close to bringing a player in he would likely say nothing so as to not jeopardise the deal. On the other, if he was making no progress he probably wouldn’t say that either so that he didn’t worry fans. That being said, the Spaniard has been fairly forthright during his tenure at St. James’ Park and of there was any meaningful progress, you’re inclined to think that he would at least hint towards it. One thing is for sure, Benitez is going to face a battle, with both the board and with other clubs, to bring in the players he will want and need to help Newcastle avoid the drop. This January could be the most crucial of his time in charge so far, and if he gets it wrong, or if the board don’t let him get it right, things could end badly for the Toon Army.