Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has revealed a trio of his players were intent on returning to the Premier League in the summer transfer window.

Georginio Wijnaldum, Moussa Sissoko and Daryl Janmaat all departed St James' Park for top flight clubs prior to Wednesday's deadline after the Magpies fell into the Championship last season.

Benitez admits the trio all wanted to be back in England's premier division and he had to respect their wishes so he could put together a squad determined to give their all for the club.

"Gini, Moussa and Daryl also wanted to play in the top division," the Spaniard told the club's official website.

"They are talented players but our objective is very clear and we needed every single player, like the staff and the fans, pushing in the same direction."

Dutch midfielder Wijnaldum joined Liverpool for £25million, French attacking midfielder Sissoko signed for Tottenham Hotspur for £30m and Dutch right-back Janmaat headed to Watford for £7.5m.