Rafa Benitez has warned Newcastle fans things could get worse before they get better as the January transfer window looms with takeover talk rumbling on.
Newcastle supporters have been hoping for progress in Amanda Staveley's attempts on behalf of PCP Capital Partners to buy the club from current owner Mike Ashley, and in turn the kind of cash injection the sportswear magnate had been unable to provide.
However, with no takeover yet at St James' Park, Benitez knows he could be subjected to a third successive frustrating transfer window, which would leave him still relying on a group of players who have come in for criticism after four successive league defeats.