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Rafa Benitez reveals: These two players were my priority signings in the summer
RAFA BENITEZ has revealed the two signings he prioritised over the summer.
Rafa Benitez discusses Newcastle's summer transfer business
Rafa Benitez failed to save Newcastle from relegation last season and soon found out January signing Andros Townsend wanted to leave in the summer.
The England international made a quick return to the Premier League in a £13million move to Crystal Palace in July.
And Benitez has admitted Newcastle turned their attentions to winger Matt Ritchie and striker Dwight Gayle as soon as Townsend expressed his desire to leave St James' Park.
Matt Ritchie and Dwight Gayle have hit the ground running at Newcastle
The pair both dropped down from top-flight clubs to join the Magpies, costing £12m and £10m from Bournemouth and Crystal Palace, respectively.
Ritchie has been key with two goals and five assists across all competitions this season, while Gayle tops the Championship goal chart with 11 strikes to his name.
“As soon as we knew that Andros Townsend was leaving, Ritchie and Gayle were our priorities," Benitez told the Newcastle Chronicle.
Andros Townsend left Newcastle for Crystal Palace in the summer
“We tried to sign them and knew they would make us strong in these positions. We were very happy to get them, and very pleased as soon as we watched Gayle train.
"We knew what he was capable of, and he always trained very well.”
Newcastle are on course for a quick return to the Premier League as they sit top of the Championship table after winning nine of their opening 13 games.