Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez has admitted the club have struggled to bring in all of their summer transfer targets but insists they will do their best in the “crazy” market.

The Spaniard committed to the north east club last summer following their relegation to the Championship and he successfully guided them back to the top flight at the first time of asking.

The Magpies claimed the Championship title on the last day of the season and are expected to settle back into Premier League life seamlessly under the tutelage of the experienced Benitez.

However, the former Real Madrid and Liverpool boss believes he needs to reinforce his squad to ensure they can avoid being involved in a relegation battle.

Newcastle, who are priced at 4.50 to be relegated, have so far added Chelsea winger Christian Atsu and Eibar defender Florian Lejeune but Benitez has found it hard to bring in other targets.

Owner Mike Ashley confirmed that they would put “every penny the club generates” from their promotion to the Premier League into improving the squad.

Despite seemingly having the financial backing, Benitez feels it is tough to compete with their rivals without overspending this summer.

Benitez said: “It’s not easy for a lot of teams because the market is a little bit crazy.

We have to try to do our best. The top sides have a lot of money. The other teams are spending too, but we will see what we can do.

“We know where we are – that is not ideal because everybody wants to see a lot of players signing already, but we have to keep working and see what we can do.”