Rafa Benitez has revealed that his Newcastle players are just as frustrated as him with Mike Ashley's apparent refusal to invest in new signings.

The boss is mystified as to the owner's reluctance to back him in the transfer market and has warned that another season fighting relegation lies in store.

They are refusing to speak to the press while the bonus dispute continues and we understand they are also considering not fulfilling obligations with some media rights holders, which could lead to financial penalties for the club.

Newcastle's players are frustrated over a lack of signings, according to Rafa Benitez (centre)

Asked if his team shared his concerns, Benitez said: 'One hundred per cent. The players know. They want to have better players around because they have more possibilities to win.'

The Spaniard wants four more signings before this week's deadline and West Brom striker Salomon Rondon is set to arrive in a loan swap deal with Dwight Gayle going the other way.

But Benitez - who is yet to sign a new contract - had hoped it would be very different, especially as Newcastle are £26million in profit this summer.

Benitez believes a relegation battle could follow this season if he isn't backed in the market

'My idea was that at this stage of pre-season everything would be completed and we would be ready and working with my players for one month - it's not the case,' he said.

'If they trust us, give us the tools, we will deliver. We have done it everywhere and won trophies. In this case, I was expecting we could deliver something.'

He added: 'To balance the team we need four players. Can we do it? Yes. Can we do the ideal window now? It's impossible because we have lost the opportunities. It's a pity that after two months we are talking about the last five days.

'It will be more difficult than last year. Wolves, Fulham, Cardiff, especially the first two, are spending money. Crystal Palace, West Ham, everyone is spending money.

He wants four signings, including Salomon Rondon who should arrive in a loan swap deal

'I've had the meeting (with Ashley) and I talk with Lee Charnley (managing director) every day. They know my idea, I know their ideas.

'I can talk (about a new contract), but we have to walk the walk and talk the talk. We have to do things. It has to be done. If we want to improve, you need to be sure it will be done.

'The problem is we have been talking about the future for the past month and we are not going in the same direction.

'I will fight until the end. I cannot guarantee anything. But in my head, it's to stay and to fight and make sure we do well. If everything is right then we can talk about the future.'