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Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has added more defensive cover to his transfer wish-list following news that Paul Dummett could be ruled out until November.

Dummett suffered a hamstring injury in the 2-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur and has been assessed in recent days before learning he faces a potential three-month stint on the sidelines.

The Magpies, who are looking to off-load Siem De Jong and Emmanuel Riviere, also want another striker and a creative midfielder while the search for a senior goalkeeper is also still on with the club hoping Tim Krul leaves before deadline day.

Newcastle are also close to selling Achraf Lazaar with three Serie A clubs interested in taking him back to Italy.

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

Benitez still wants Chelsea’s Brazilian left-sided player Kenedy but the first two games of the season have demonstrated that United are just a couple of injuries away from a major defensive reshuffle with centre-back Chancel Mbemba played out of position during the 1-0 loss to Huddersfield Town.

Newcastle do hold an interest in Sampdoria’s Dennis Praet but both West Ham and the Magpies have played down the usual rumours of Andy Carroll returning to St James’ Park.

Benitez said yesterday: “It will be different when the window shuts because we are expecting players to come.

“We are trying to move players in, and at the same time, we are trying to move players out.

“It will be different, 100 per cent.”