Rafa Benitez says he does not have to sell any members of his Newcastle squad

Rafa Benitez says Newcastle do not need to sell any more players as they prepare for life in the Sky Bet Championship.

Newcastle sold Andros Townsend to Crystal Palace but moved swiftly to replace the England international with Bournemouth winger Matt Ritchie.

Ritchie was the third new arrival at St James' Park this summer, following goalkeeper Matz Sels and striker Dwight Gayle as manager Benitez prepares for next season's campaign.

And the former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss says he does not need to sell any more members of his squad ahead of what he accepts will be a "very tough" campaign.

"We knew we might lose players, especially Andros because he had a great season and he wanted to play in the Premier League," Benitez told Sky Sports News HQ.

Steve McClaren has backed Benitez to turn the club's fortunes around Steve McClaren has backed Benitez to turn the club's fortunes around

"Then you have to react quickly and we were ready. The week before we had two or three signings ready.

"I'm happy with the players that we have and we don't have to sell anybody. Maybe some clubs will come in [with transfer offers] and we will have to analyse each one.

"We know it will be very tough for us next season, we have to concentrate on a different division and the motivation has to be there. We have to be ready."