Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is ready to work the January market.

Given the uncertainty over ownership due to Mike Ashley's stated desire to sell - he is unsure whether or not funds will be made available to him.

“I don't know what will happen," Benitez, after defeat at Manchester United, said of the January transfer window.

“I will keep working until January as hard as I can to improve my players, and if we can do something, we will. If not, I will try to improve the players that are available to me.

“We did really well, but when you play against a 'normal' team, maybe you can make mistakes and get away with them. When you play against a top team, you know you will get punished."