Rafa Benitez has set a deadline of Friday for Mike Ashley to tell him how much money he will have to spend in January.

The Newcastle boss is frustrated that a stand-off in takeover talks between Ashley and Amanda Staveley has left him in the dark as to his transfer budget, especially as his team is in desperate need of reinforcements.

We understand that Ashley arrived back in the UK on Tuesday after a holiday in the US and negotiations with Staveley and PCP Capital Partners will continue, although there is little chance of a deal being completed before the end of next month.

Rafa Benitez has set a Friday deadline for Mike Ashley to give him his January transfer budget

Benitez, whose side have taken one point from 21 ahead of Wednesday night’s visit of Everton, said: ‘After the game we will talk and we'll see where we are. We have our people travelling. Each has their own responsibility.

‘If you know where you are and what you have, it's easier for me. We can talk with agents, players and clubs and say, “We are here and we can” or “We cannot”.

‘You need to know as soon as possible. We have Arsenal on Saturday, but still, you need to know the budget. That's it.’

A delay in talks between Mike Ashley (pictured) and Amanda Staveley left Benitez in the dark

Newcastle need reinforcements and have taken one point from a possible 21 in recent weeks

Meanwhile, Benitez has played down the influence of Sam Allardyce at Everton. The former Newcastle boss has won one and drawn one in the Premier League since taking charge on November 30 having watched the 4-0 victory over West Ham from the directors’ box the night before.

The Toffees are now up to 10th and six points clear of the bottom three, but Benitez said: ‘I think they have a good team. He was in the stands and they won without (him) doing anything, then they have more confidence, better players.

‘When they are winning, they will have more confidence. It's a positive circle for them. So it’s not because you changed and they are a better team now.’