Rafael Benitez 'told to trim Newcastle United squad'

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has reportedly been told that he must offload players before he can make any new signings.

The Spaniard has brought in just five new players - Jacob Murphy (£12m), Florian Lejeune (£8.7m), Christian Atsu (£6.2m), Javier Manquillo (£4.5m) and Mikel Merino (loan) - this summer following the club's promotion back to the Premier League as champions of the Championship last term.

Benitez today admitted that he is "not happy" with the lack of transfer activity at St James' Park, and according to The Times, Magpies owner Mike Ashley has instructed him to sell before he buys any more players.

The club spent big in the Championship last term, forking out £57m on new players, but brought in £87m through player sales - a net positive figure of £30m, while parachute payments arrived to the tune of almost £41m.

Benitez has previously claimed that Ashley had promised him complete control of a sizeable transfer budget this summer in order to prepare for the new campaign.

Among Benitez's targets are out-of-favour Arsenal striker Lucas Perez, available for £10m, and Stoke City forward Joselu.