RAFA BENITEZ has refused to be drawn on transfers as Newcastle United continue work behind the scenes to add to the squad before this Thursday’s deadline.
Following the collapse of Jordan Lukaku’s proposed loan from Lazio on Friday night, the Magpies are considering alternatives and Juventus’ 20-year-old Rogerio is among the options
The left-back has impressed during a loan with Sassuolo and is one of a number of players Benitez has considered. He is not, though, discussing things.
He said: “I will not talk about transfer window, I continue not to talk about this.”
He added: “I don’t know (how difficult this window is, generally) because I don’t do the deals. Depending on the policy of the club, that is it.”
Asked if Newcastle were still active in the market, he said: “Yes.” And then suggested he didn’t know if he was hopeful of new deals.
Newcastle face Manchester City tomorrow night without signing a player this window so far and after the defeat to Watford on Saturday in the FA Cup, St James’ Park needs a lift.
“It is not just defence tomorrow night, because balance also means to attack or to play good counter attack,” he said. “We talk about the fastest players in the Premier League, if you play high then if they counter-attack they can kill you.
“If you try to wait and they pass around you then they can kill you anyway. Against Manchester City we will see what happens. I am confident we can do well but we have to do everything perfect to have a chance.”
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