Rafael Benítez remains quietly optimistic that Mike Ashley will continue backing his transfer market judgment and allow him to strengthen Newcastle United’s squad as he sees fit this month.
It is understood that Newcastle’s owner, who still listens to the advice of Graham Carr, the Championship-topping club’s chief scout, would prefer Benítez to acquire players aged 25 and younger with potential for high sell-on values but, although broadly happy with that policy, the manager craves the odd slightly more experienced recruit.
“We have to find the right players now to improve a little bit and not take any risk [of missing out on promotion],” Benítez said as he prepared for the FA Cup third‑round replay at home against Birmingham City on Wednesday night. Newcastle’s manager communicates with Ashley via Lee Charnley, the managing director, and is content with this situation.
“We’re talking about some targets,” he said. “Especially one target I like and everybody can see he’s maybe a good option – so we’re progressing. I still have confidence we can do what we want to do.”
Asked how old his prime target is, Benítez smiled. “He’s a good age. I’m not worried if a player is 21, 28 or 30.” If Ashley questioned the wisdom of the former Real Madrid manager recruiting Daryl Murphy, 33, from Ipswich Town last summer as a backup striker, injuries to Dwight Gayle and Aleksandar Mitrovic dictate that move is now paying dividends. “You need a balance,” Benítez said.
“We signed Murphy because he has experience and our squad is quite young. I think the oldest squad is Brighton and they’re near the top with experienced players. For me it’s simple to understand what we need to improve the team. My understanding is that, if you have a good manager, leave him to take responsibility.”
Benítez has monitored, among others, Fulham’s Tom Cairney, Everton’s James McCarthy, Callum Wilson of Bournemouth and Hull City’s Robert Snodgrass, and is also exploring loan moves with Crystal Palace’s Andros Townsend one possibility.
Asked if he still has the final say on transfers, he replied: “It’s a tricky question but I’m sure we’ll sign who we need and we’ll do well. People think I like to sign old players but I like to sign young players to develop and improve them but, at the same time, sign players we need. Players like Daryl Murphy, who can make the difference, are important.”
