Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez 'not happy' with transfer business ahead of Premier League return

• e-mail

Rafa Benitez has admitted he is frustrated with Newcastle's transfer business so far this summer as they prepare to make their Premier League return this weekend.

Benitez has made seven signings since the close of last season, headlined by the £12million capture of Jacob Murphy from Norwich and Florian Lejeune from Spanish side Eibar for £8.7million, but the Spaniard admits he is concerned that more has not been done to improve last season's Championship winners ahead of Sunday's opener against Tottenham.

'I am not happy, but at the same time for me it's a challenge,' Benitez said. 'I try to do my best.'

Rafa Benitez has signed seven players so far this summer totaling more than £25million

Benitez talks to Newcastle legend Alan Shearer at the Premier League launch on Wednesday

Rafa claimed that the inflated prices in the transfer market were a big part of the problem, but also said the Magpies were paying the price for making a slow start to the summer.

'It is very hard, the prices are crazy,' he said. 'We missed some targets at the beginning and we're paying for that. Hopefully we can find solutions and bring what we need. It's not what you want, it's what you need.'

When Benitez committed to stay at Newcastle at the end of last season he was promised 'every last penny' by club owner Mike Ashley to invest in the squad, but it seems Ashley has struggled to hold up his end of the deal. 

Jacob Murphy was Benitez's third transfer arriving from Norwich for £12million in July 

'When I decided to stay for me it was a challenge,' Rafa said. 'I'm not totally happy with what we did, but I will try to do my best. I'm working very hard with the people in the club to try to improve what we have at the moment.'

However, the 57-year-old was quick to deflect a question regarding his future at the club with a joke.

'It's very difficult for me because my Chinese is not good enough,' he said, referencing links with the Chinese Super League.

'I am trying to do my best right now. It is something you cannot control but at the moment I am fully committed to doing the best that I can.'

Newcastle won the Championship last season and return to the Premier League on Sunday