Benitez provides key update regarding Newcastle’s £10 million pursuit

Knockaert

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has gone on to admit that it will be difficult for the Magpies to sign top target Anthony Knockaert.

Despite splashing £50 million on new players this summer, Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez is currently in the market to bring in a couple new faces to St. James’ Park and it is now widely believed that the next target for the Spaniard will be Brighton and Hove Albion star Anthony Knockaert.

It had been reported last week by Sky Sports that Newcastle had a bid for Knockaert rejected by Brighton and the Shields Gazette then went on to claim that the Magpies would have to splash as much as £10 million in order to secure the services of the 24-year-old.

Following the signings of Ciaran Clark and Mohamed Diame recently, Benitez was said to be ready to make a swoop for Knockaert but the Newcastle boss has now gone on to admit that his pursuit to sign the Frenchman will probably not come into fruition.

The 56-year-old stated that he is willing to make another effort to sign Knockaert but revealed that Brighton are unlikely to facilitate the sale of one of their key players to a rival club.

Benitez was quoted saying by the Argus, “We know that will not be easy (signing Knockaert). We are rivals and I think it will be tough to convince them. Normally you try and, if you cannot, you have to move on and start thinking about other targets. We will see but I think it will be difficult.”