Rafael Benitez "hopeful" of one more deal

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has said that he is "hopeful" of getting another deal over the line before the transfer window closes this evening.

The Magpies have completed just one piece of business so far this month - the loan capture of winger Kenedy from Chelsea - amid reports that Benitez has been given limited transfer funds by owner Mike Ashley, who is in the process of trying to sell the club.

Benitez has already missed out on the high-profile signing of Daniel Sturridge to West Bromwich Albion and the club are also believed to have failed with an offer of £15m for Feyenoord striker Nicolai Jorgensen.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Benitez admitted that he had been in talks with Ashley over securing more transfer funds and insisted that the "doors are still open" for a deal to be done.

"If a player is too much I will not say, 'Go for this one.' But, in this case, in this time, it has not been the case," he is quoted by The Mirror as saying.

"I understand what is going on in the market and I will try to find players early at the right price.

"In every single club I have been, normally I finish with profit, success and titles — or at least not creating a problem for the books. At this time, which team will sell their top scorer?"

Newcastle are currently 15th in the Premier League table, out of the relegation zone on goal difference.