Rafa Benitez admits he's happier at Newcastle United today after their late transfer work.

The manager warns the club-record £21million deal for Atlanta United playmaker Almiron — finally topping the £16.8m Michael Owen deal of THIRTEEN years ago – won't immediately lure him into signing a new contract.

But he has opened the door for talks before the end of the season with owner Mike Ashley about staying beyond his current deal's June expiry date.

“I think everybody is a little bit happier today — we won against Man City, and we have two new faces," said Benitez.

“I'm happier than before. Why? We have two players we didn't have. Also, Isaac Hayden stays. A very good professional.

“I will not say, 'Oh, we have signed two players so I will sign now.' It is not the time to talk about that. It is the time to make sure we improve what we have at the moment. We have more chances now with these two players.

“The key is balance. I am quite realistic and pragmatic. My approach during the transfer window was I don't want to create headlines all the time because we can lose focus. If I create a mess, then maybe they will not be as focused. I was right, because we beat Cardiff and Manchester City . People were not talking about this player or that, and we were focused."