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Newcastle United are ready to replace Moussa Sissoko with the Magpies poised for his exit soon as Juventus and Real Madrid wait to pounce for his services.

The French international is still due back on Tyneside on Monday, but is likely to hold immediate talks with the club about his future with a big sale likely.

And both Cheick Tiote and Florian Thauvin are also likely to depart if Newcastle receive the offers they want this week.

Neither appeared against Vitesse Arnhem in the 3-2 win at St James’ Park .

Newcastle are already making plans to ensure they have enough depth in their squad with a clutch of players lined up.

Benitez was keeping names of incoming players close to his chest after Newcastle’s 3-2 win over Vitesse Arnhem, but is happy with the way Newcastle are operating this summer.

With six players through the door so far, fans should also be confident that times have changed for the better at United.

After the game, Benitez said: “I can’t complain about anything.

“You always have clubs asking about your players’ futures. They need to train and do well but I am feeling very positive.

“We are still working behind the scenes to do some deals. I am happy but I still think we have to balance the team a bit more.

“We have 46 games in the Championship but we have to make sure we approach every game the right way until the end.

“We know some players will leave and we have to replace them.”

And when asked about Sissoko he said: “We don’t talk about names.

“The players that are here now, some know we are already working.

“Everything is clear. There are players who aren’t here, like Moussa.

“So we will have to wait. He will start with us until we have any other news.”

Benitez also spoke of Newcastle’s game of two halves against Vitesse and said: “You always think as a manager that you can improve.

“I think we are close but we have room for improvement and I think we will do that.”