Newcastle United will have to stump up if they are to make a January move for reported target Wilfried Ndidi.
The Magpies have been linked with a winter window bid for the Genk defender, and are rumoured to have scouted the Nigerian international on several occasions this season.
But the price of the highly-rated 19-year-old, as well as Premier League interest could scupper any potential switch.
Benitez is understood to have cash at his disposal in January, should he feel the need to spend it.
A lot may depend on the situation United find themselves in.
Should their charge at the top of the Championship continue it is likely that Benitez will look to add players of top flight quality, with one eye on next season already.
But should things be tight, as they were at this time in 2009-10, when Newcastle were last promoted, he may opt for solid additions to get United up, much like Chris Hughton did with Mike Williamson and Wayne Routledge.
The biggest stumbling block for any move could be the price.
In the summer Genk knocked back a bid of around £5million for the youngster. It is reported that they want around £8million in the next window, should they cash in.
Also Ndidi is not short on admirers.
Scouts from Tottenham Hotspur and Watford have also been posted to assess the centre-back in recent months, so United could face a fight, should they opt to enter the race for his signature when the window opens in seven weeks.
