Rafa still "confident" of transfer breakthrough

Tyne Tees
Rafael Benitez
Rafa Benitez
Newcastle United
Tuesday 31 January 2017 at 3:48pm

Rafa Benitez remains confident Newcastle United will add to their squad before the end of the January transfer window Credit: David Davies/PA Wire/PA Images

Rafa Benitez remains confident Newcastle United will add to their squad before the end of the January transfer window.

Newcastle United have been heavily linked with re-signing former winger Andros Townsend from Crystal Palace. With the January transfer window ending on Tuesday night the Magpies would have to act fast to secure the services of the England international.

The 25-year-old moved to Selhurst Park in July 2016 following Newcastle's relegation to the Championship.

One player who does appear to be on the move is midfielder Cheick Tiote. Benitez has confirmed the Ivorian international is potentially close to sealing a move to China.

Tiote previously had a move to China fall through in January 2016. Tiote last appeared in a Newcastle shirt in their 3-1 win against Birmingham City in the FA Cup.