Hello and welcome to the live blog bringing you coverage of Rafa Benitez's press conference ahead of the FA Cup Third Round Tie against Luton Town.
Benitez will likely be asked about team news; will the fringe players and youngsters get a chance? Is there any more information on the takeover and January transfer budget? Plus much more.
It's set to be a bumper crowd at St James' Park for tomorrow's game as United look to progress to the fourth round of the competition for the second consecutive year under Benitez.
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Key Events
Benitez's presser: the key points
So that’s it! Rafa Benitez has spoken to the press before the clash against Luton Town. Here’s a quick round-up.
- Rafa Benitez admits he still doesn’t know his January transfer budget
- The Newcastle United manager wants business done no later than January 20
- The gaffer will pick a strong team to take on Luton Town but some youngsters may play
- Benitez warns his players that they cannot be over confident against Luton Town
- United need to keep building after seven points from nine over the Christmas period
- Elliot, Mitrovic, Lejeune and Gamez remain out with injury
Head over to our daily live blog where we’ve got all the transfer rumours and takeover latest. Click here for that.
VAR technology?
Benitez’s take.
Benitez on Luton Town
Will not be an easy game.
Benitez on the the festive run-in
Seven points from 12.
Who plays tomorrow?
Set to be a mixture.
What to expect tomorrow?
It’s set to be a HUGE attendance.
The budget?
Still unknown.
Deadline set for transfers
Rafa repeats that he wants his squad in place by “maximum” January 20, but he says he can say “nothing more” other than he had a meeting last week. Rafa says he won’t talk about “names” when he is asked about whether he has interest in Deeney & Ings #
Benitez on transfers
I don’t know exactly what is our budget, so I don’t have any news. We have to keep working, make sure we have our targets, but all I can is prepare for the game. We had a meeting last week but I am waiting for an answer (from those above).
Still time to get your tickets. . .
Just £10 for adults!
Rob Lee expecting a warm welcome!
But who is he backing?
Can Benitez bring success?
Lets hope so!
Olly Lee - 'I can't wait'
Olly Lee, son of United legend Rob Lee, admits he can’t wait to play at St James’ Park tomorrow.
It’s going to be a very surreal moment. “I watched Elliot play there for West Ham a couple of years back and was watching with great pride and a tinge of jealousy as well, as I wanted to be out there. “It will be a massive moment for us to be out at St James’ Park and I can’t wait for it.
Luton Town: current form
It will be anything but easy tomorrow with Luton Town coming into the game having lost just once in six games; winning four, drawing one. They sit top of League Two by four points.
Good afternoon!
We’ll be hearing from Rafa Benitz within the next hour ahead of the FA Cup clash with Luton Town. Here’s the main questions!