Newcastle United winger Matt Ritchie does not believe the transfer window is impacting the club's season.

The Magpies were unable to secure as many signings as manager Rafa Benitez had wanted.

Benitez bemoaned the club would only be able to survive in the Premier League, not push forward, given the level of investment.

But Ritchie believes such talk does not impact the players.

"The transfer situation has no impact at all now because the window is closed," Ritchie said to Chronicle Live.

"It's the same as at any football club; the manager wants to strengthen the squad. There's competition for places right through the squad anyway.

"The manager wanted to add a few more, and he's been able to bring some good players in.

"I feel like we've got a really good squad now. We're as strong - if not stronger - than last season, so the players know there's competition for places, and that the standard of performances has to be high.

"We'll continue to work hard with the training we do, and hopefully we can continue to pick up points."