Benitez outlines the type of players he wants to sign in January

The Newcastle takeover saga means manager Rafa Benitez isn’t exactly sure of the club’s transfer budget ahead of the January transfer window.

The Toons are just a point above the relegation zone and are in dire need of quality additions next month.

With not much to spend, Benitez has revealed he’s planning on signing around just 3 to 4 players when the window opens.

Given that Newcastle will have to make do with a relatively low budget, the club will be looking to bring in the needed quantity and quality capable of helping to steer the side to safety.

Benitez told Sky Sports when asked if progress had been made ahead of the January transfer window: “I cannot say too much. We are working to try and bring in some players.

“I have to work with Lee Charnley, and find the players we need to stay in the Premier League.”

Loan signings are expected to make up the majority of January arrivals, with possible temporary deals being discussed over Chelsea’s Kenedy and Liverpool’s Danny Ings.

The Brazilian was close to moving to Saint James’ Park on loan at the beginning of the season, and a sure winter arrivals looks certain.

With playing minutes hard to come by at Anfield, a temporary exit for Ings appears to be on the card, and he can be an upgrade on the current striking options available to Benitez.

Leicester City striker Islam Slimani is also a target, and given his qualities, he could prove to be the type of signing Newcastle need to escape relegation.