Saturday 20 January 2018 21:50, UK
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez repeated his hope that he will still be able to add to his squad during the transfer window following his side's 3-1 loss at Manchester City on Saturday evening.
The latest defeat leaves the Magpies just two points above the Premier League relegation zone in 15th place in the table.
However, despite the apparent collapse of takeover talks at the club, the Spaniard is still optimistic that new players will be signed before the January transfer window closes.
"In my last conversation with Mike Ashley he said we have the green light to sign players and I would like to see some of them come in before 31 January and I have confidence we will do it," Benitez said after the game.
"It is obvious the team is working very hard and we need more experience and quality to help the team. We have a list of players and then we have to try our best to make sure that we bring in what we need."
Benitez praised the performance of his team, who came close to claiming an unlikely point after Jacob Murphy's superb finish reduced the deficit midway through the second half.
However, City striker Sergio Aguero completed his hat-trick with just seven minutes left to play at the Etihad to end any hopes of an unlikely Newcastle comeback.
"Obviously I'm not happy because we lost, but the teamwork and team spirit was quite positive," he added.
"They had a penalty which was very soft and we had chances after that. It's a pity, but you have to say they are a very good team."
