Gelson Martins would be a statement signing to convince Rafa Benitez to stay at Newcastle

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Rafa Benitez has pleaded for Newcastle United to match his ambition by threatening to walk away if they fail to sign new players, The Telegraph reports.

Newcastle cannot afford to lose their manager, who has done a good job on a tight budget at St James’ Park.

This month, Newcastle need to make a statement signing to appease Benitez and to aid their bid for survival.

According to AS, Newcastle are willing to stump up the cash to land Gelson Martins on loan from Atletico Madrid.

This would be a very exciting signing for the Magpies and the type of ambitious addition that could convince Benitez to continue his project at the club.

Martins left Sporting Lisbon last summer after scoring 25 goals in 131 games and he moved to Spanish side Atletico Madrid.

But it has been a frustrating debut season in La Liga for the 23-year-old, who has managed just one start in the league.

With just 10 appearances to his name in all competitions for Atletico Madrid, Martins could seek a loan move to reignite his career elsewhere.

And Newcastle could be the ideal next destination for the 21-cap Portugal winger.

Martins would be an upgrade on the likes of Josh Murphy and Christian Atsu and if he can find his feet in England, Newcastle’s relegation worries will start to disappear.