Benitez sets deadline for Newcastle squad overhaul to be completed – report
By Abigail Withey
Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez has set a personal goal of when he wants all of his summer transfer to be completed by, according to a recent report.
The Chronicle has revealed that Benitez has named the club’s pre-season friendly game against Hellas Verona as the benchmark for completing all of the Magpies’ transfer business.
The newspaper claim that the squad overhaul will be finished on August 6, which is when they meet the Italian Serie A club at St. James’ Park.
It is said that completing the club’s signings at the beginning of August means that the Tynesiders will be fully prepared with a new squad for their opening game against Premier League giants Tottenham the following weekend.
Benitez has had a frustrating transfer window so far, and although the former Liverpool boss was keen to bolster his squad ahead of their return to the Premier League, he has only managed to secure a permanent deal for Christian Atsu, who spent last season on loan with the Magpies.
Florian Lejeune looks to be Newcastle’s first signing as the Chronicle recently claimed that the centre-back was due to pen a deal with the club before pre-season training begins next week.
According to the report Benitez will now focus on recruiting a full-back, in addition to a midfielder and a striker.
The Toon boss will also be looking for a new winger to potentially replace 31-year-old Yoan Gouffran who is yet to sign a new contract with the club before his deal runs out on Friday.
In other Newcastle news, they are eyeing a two-time Champions League winner.
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