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Rafa Benitez has had his request for more players approved by the powers that be at Newcastle United - providing he works within the tight financial framework at St James’ Park.

The Toon chief should be handed a striker, a left-back and a centre-back before the deadline on August 9.

And while Benitez actually wanted four players last week he has made it clear to United’s power brokers that they will again start the season battling for stability rather than the top eight tilt he was aiming for this year.

Benitez made his feelings abundantly clear after the 4-0 loss against SC Braga in Portugal and even though his open and honest Press conference resulted in a big reaction in the national Press plus TV and radio shows the message was received by Newcastle chiefs.

It was no surprise to see Mike Ashley absent in the stands on Saturday during the 1-0 loss to Bundesliga side Augsburg.

But more interestingly, there was no sign of any of the owner’s trusted aides in Justin Barnes or Keith Bishop.

Instead managing director Lee Charnley sat close to head of recruitment Steve Nickson in the Milburn Stand executive seats.

(Image: Sunday Sun)

With four days left to trade in the window though Benitez knows it is now or never.

He is frustrated that Newcastle have left it so late again but hopes to see a breakthrough soon.

Paris Saint-Germain full-back Stanley N’Soki is a player Benitez is still keen on while Salomon Rondon is also close to finally joining the club.

A third player could come in the shape of a centre-back with Benitez wanting a ball playing defender.

Florian Lejeune was deemed as that player before an injury that wiped out his season two weeks ago, and Benitez is aiming to replace like for like.