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Rafa Benitez appeared to be in upbeat mood when asked about incoming transfers after the 2-0 win over Hellas Verona.

The Newcastle United boss is looking for a striker, a goalkeeper and a winger in the last three weeks of the transfer window.

When asked about priorities after the game, he told Chroniclelive: “We have different positions.

“I want to be clear, I am looking at different options and it’s not like I’m looking at just one name, it’s three or four (for each position).

“If we can’t get one then we go for the other one.”

Benitez has been linked with Arsenal striker Lucas Perez in recent days and responded to talk of him being United target, he said: “I like the player because I have good friends in A Coruña.

“I know that he did really well. He’s come here and not played in many games, but I like the player.”

Benitez also stated he is looking at a host of different players in the next few weeks.

He added: “We know what we need and will try to do it until the end of the transfer window.

“We are now trying to work in different directions at the time.”

And when asked if Joselu of Stoke City was an option, he said: “I say different directions, but different directions at the same time.”

Benitez, though, is confident that Dwight Gayle will be back from a hamstring injury in time for the home game with Spurs.

He said: “He will train this week. If everything is fine he will be available.

“We don’t want to take risks or push him. We are progressing with his fitness.”

(Image: PA)

Reflecting on the performance against Hellas Verona, he said: “It was an entertaining game for the fans.

“We scored two goals and had some chances, we tried to do what we wanted to do to be fair, move the ball quickly and not give it away. Little by little we were stronger than them.

“With the second half with substitutions they had more players with experience on the right-hand side.

“We had to manage with that. There are a lot of positives.

“It was a friendly and nothing to do with the Premier League but still we done what we needed to.”