Rafa Benitez says he is hoping for a nice “surprise” on the transfer front with work continuing steadily behind the scenes at St James’ Park.
The Spaniard watched his side record a 3-1 win over Birmingham City at St James’ Park to book a place in the fourth round of the FA Cup to set up a tie with Oxford United.
By that time Benitez could have a new addition to his squad, and when asked about transfers, the former Real Madrid man said there could be some progress after talks with managing director Lee Charnley.
He responded: “I was talking with Lee this morning. Hopefully he was working in the evening and maybe he will give me a surprise in a few hours, in a few days, you never know.
“We have to keep working hard.”