By Russell Edge

27th Nov, 2017 | 3:01pm

'Sad and scary', 'Depressing' - Newcastle fans react to shock Benitez transfer claim

Newcastle United fans have taken to social media to react to manager Rafael Benitez’s statement that the club cannot compete financially with the likes of Huddersfield or Brighton in the transfer window.

The Magpies saw six signings through the door in the summer market, five of which were new faces, with the other being former loanee Christian Atsu, who turned his temporary deal into a permanent one.

However it did not compare to the 13 and 11 players which were signed by Newcastle’s fellow promoted sides Huddersfield and Brighton respectively, on a mix of permanent and loan deals.

Benitez publicly voiced his frustrations at the club’s inability to get deals for his top targets over the line in the summer and he has once again raised the issue of the Magpies’ lack of backing, stating that they cannot fight the likes of the Terriers and the Seagulls when it comes to signing players.

The shock claim was reported by the Shields Gazette’s Miles Starforth on his personal Twitter account, quoting the Spanish boss as stating: “We have to compete against Huddersfield & Brighton but we couldn’t sign the players they signed or pay the wages they paid.”

The Toon Army were quick to voice their anger, disappointment and rage at this statement on Twitter, with many pointing the blame at Newcastle owner Mike Ashley for his unwillingness to invest in the playing staff.

Here, Football Insider has rounded up a selection of the supporters’ best tweets:

The Magpies are currently sitting 13th following their return to the top flight, the lowest of the three promoted teams, and are currently on a four game losing streak.

In other Newcastle United news, Paul Merson has slammed the club in his prediction against West Brom.

We’ve launched a << BREAKING NEWS FEED>> exclusively for your club. ‘Like Us’ on Facebook by clicking here if you want 24/7 updates on all Newcastle United breaking news