Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez has been given the go-ahead to identify January transfer targets despite the ongoing uncertainty over the club's ownership.
The Spaniard met managing director Lee Charnley this week to discuss what he may or may not be able to do to strengthen his squad during the winter window after a demoralising run of eight Premier League games which has yielded just a single point.
Benitez is still to be told what funds will be available and whether or not Mike Ashley remains in charge with Amanda Staveley's PCP Capital Partners still engaged in negotiations to buy the club, but he is keeping his fingers crossed that he will be able to recruit.