RAFAEL BENITEZ has confirmed that Newcastle United are looking to bring in two more wingers as he looks to finalise his promotion chasing Championship squad before Wednesday’s transfer deadline.

The Magpies face Brighton at St James’ Park on Saturday evening and they will be heading into the game short of attacking options because concussion had ruled out strikers Dwight Gayle and Aleksandar Mitrovic.

He has also had to use Vurnon Anita on the flank this season, and he had an offer rejected earlier this summer for Brighton’s creative Anthony Knockaert.

Benitez said: “We have to do some deals. We are loaning players, sending players, buying players, we have some names, targets. Arsene Wenger was saying it is a very difficult transfer window and it is true because of the prices.

“We are trying very hard and we have been monitoring players but sometimes it depends on offers, wages and agents. We can afford players if it is necessary but sometimes it is not easy because they won’t come to the Championship or they are in the Champions League.”

Newcastle have been linked with Chelsea’s Christian Atsu. Benitez added: “We don’t talk about the targets. We have players in different positions in mind. I am really pleased with the squad and how they train but we have to keep the balance.”

Newcastle made their ninth signing of the summer when they landed £5m DeAndre Yedlin from Tottenham this week and he will hope the full-back receives clearance to play in time to face Brighton.

Newcastle could still offload Moussa Sissoko, Cheik Tiote and Emmanuel Riviere before Wednesday’s deadline.

He said: “It’s the same situation with Moussa, for a lot of players also, maybe they will leave. Maybe now, they are waiting for the right offer from other clubs. If he is happy we have to be to. He is not in the squad for tomorrow.”

Benitez is frustrated to be without both Gayle and Mitrovic against Brighton, with both strikers keen to start despite suffering head injuries against Cheltenham in the EFL Cup on Tuesday.

He said: “After the game I said they were fine, but the English rules say they can’t play. They are fine. Yesterday I was in contact with them and they wanted to play, they wanted to take responsibility.

“The bad news is that they cannot. They were around today but they cannot play and we want to manage the situation without Mitrovic and Gayle.

“It’s the rules. Even the medical staff, you have to wait six days. In Spain and Italy it depends on each case, but here it is the same for everyone.”

Newcastle have handed a four-year deal for young defender Jamie Sterry.