Rafa Benitez remains hopeful that Mike Ashley will help fund Newcastle United's transfer endeavours.

The Spaniard was promised a large budget to work with this summer, but the Magpies have only been able to secure the signings of Florian Lejeune and Christian Atsu.

"When I had the meeting with Mike we were talking about the money he would give us for doing the signings," said Benitez via the Mirror.

"The budget was fine. We have the resources to do what we want to do – but now we have to do it.

"I cannot talk about why signings have not yet happened – but I can say that I am still confident that Mike will keep his word."