Rafa Benitez has suggested he will “move on” from Anthony Knockaert after being rebuffed by Albion.

The Newcastle boss plans more signings but recognises the Seagulls are determined to keep hold of their French winger.

Benitez was questioned about his pursuit of Knockaert during a radio phone-in on BBC Radio Newcastle this evening.

He said: “We know that will not be easy. We are rivals and I think it will be tough to convince them.

“Normally you try and, if you cannot, you have to move on and start thinking about other targets.

“We will see but I think it will be difficult.”

Albion recently rejected a sizeable bid for Knockaert from Toon, who today signed Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark and Hull’s Mo Diame.