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Rafa Benitez says he expected Newcastle United’s work in the transfer window to be “completed” by this stage.

The Spaniard did not take a summer holiday and had targeted eight new signings in good time for the new season starting, however, with a week to go until the big kick off he is still two or three players light.

And the Magpies have been unable to offload a host of squad players with the likes of Emmanuel Riviere and Massadio Haidara both turning down moves as interested clubs can’t match their wages.

After the 2-0 win over Hellas Verona , Benitez said: “We were expecting more players and the team or the squad completed.

“But it’s not the case so we have to manage with the players we have at the moment and they are doing well.”

Benitez indicated he hasn’t quite decided his starting line-up against Spurs next weekend.

But said: “I think it always important for them to know they must compete.

“We will have injuries and suspensions.

“Everybody has to be ready.”

Newcastle’s win over Hellas Vernoa means the Magpies lost just one game in six during pre-season.

Benitez told the BBC: “We had chances, we scored goals then we had more chances. Defensively we had some danger but attacking we had good players.

“There is plenty of room for improvement but at least we have some positives. Normally when have pre-season you want in brackets - easy games.

“We have played against teams in the top division from Germany and Italy. So it was more or less what we were expecting.”