Newcastle want new firepower '“ and to keep Mitrovic for Championship challenge

Mitrovic was linked with a move away from St James’s Park last week, but Benitez has insisted that the Magpies have no intention of selling the 21-year-old, who is serving a four-game suspension and sits out this afternoon’s home game against Huddersfield.

Benitez said: “I have seen two or three stories this week which have really surprised me. It’s not something that’s true.

“Mitrovic is a good striker – he’s our target man at the moment. We need more power in attack, so can we sell one striker if we need more power?

“No, we maybe need to bring in another one. We have no problem with that, but the transfer window is always difficult.”

Newcastle hope to sign another striker and a winger before the transfer window closes on August 31, while they aim to tie up a loan deal for Everton left-back Brendan Galloway.