Benitez makes transfer request to Newcastle: Five players on his summer wishlist – report
By Harry Sykes
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez wants a £100million transfer kitty this summer as he targets a handful of top signings to make the team a Premier League force, according to a report.
The Daily Star claim Benitez is adamant an injection of cash is needed to equip the club for the top flight after they secured automatic promotion last week.
It is said the five main players on the Spaniard’s wishlist are Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney and his centre-back teammate Jozo Simunovic, Everton central midfielder James McCarthy, Fulham playmaker Tom Cairney and Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham.
The Daily Star report that Benitez wants to recruit eight new signings, all of whom would be capable of hitting the ground running in the Premier League.
He is set to hold crunch talks with Newcastle owner Mike Ashley next week which could determine whether he will stay on at St James’ Park.
Benitez has made it clear publicly that he must be backed in the transfer market by the Sports Direct tycoon, or there is a possibility he will quit.
Tierney and Simunovic are on Newcastle’s radar following their performances for Celtic, who are on course for the domestic treble after totally dominating Scottish football this season.
The Daily Star report that Benitez is keen to reignite his interest in Fuham’s Cairney and Everton’s McCarthy after trying to sign them in the January window.
Abraham is also on the manager’s wishlist following his performances while on loan for Bristol City this season.
The forward has scored 23 league goals, a tally bettered in the Championship only by Leeds United’s Chris Wood.
In other Newcastle United transfer news, the club have hijacked Everton’s move for a coveted 23-year-old, with a £75,000-a-week contract to be offered.
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