Newcastle United are hoping to finalise loan moves for Benfica midfielder Andreas Samaris and Monaco left back Antonio Barreca.

Newcastle are likely to be one of the busiest clubs in the Premier League as they enter the final three days of the January transfer window and could also let Spanish striker Joselu leave as he has become disillusioned at a lack of Premier League starts.

Benitez refused to rule out the possibility he could quit before the end of the season if Newcastle do not strengthen the squad at his press conference on Monday, as he is fed up with being ignored. That scenario remains unlikely given he does not want to abandon the team when they are in a relegation battle, but Benitez’s long-term future remains in serious doubt as his contract expires at the end of the season.

Whether two loan signings will satisfy him will depend on whether they are good enough to improve the team.

Newcastle have shown an interest in Samaris before and the 29-year-old Greece international would be a welcome addition given his experience and international pedigree. Porto, though, are also interested in recruiting him and he could prefer to remain in Portugal.