Rafa Benitez promises new signings after Real Madrid improve bid for David de Gea

New Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez has confirmed he has plans to bring new players in during the transfer window, after Spanish newspaper Marca reported the club have improved their offer for Manchester United custodian David de Gea.

The La Liga big dogs have already signed Brazilian international right-back Danilo from Porto and also triggered a buy-back clause to return midfielder Casemiro to the Santiago Bernabeu, after he had impressed at the same Portuguese side.

The Spanish gaffer is expected to further strengthen his squad with a winger and a versatile midfielder, as well as finalising the drawn-out saga of De Gea's transfer in a deal worth close to €30m (£21.5m).

Benitez has refused to name specific transfer targets, but during an interview with the club official website he admitted he is working to improve the squad.

"Danilo and Casemiro, for example, are players who are going to be important and the club is working every day to try to raise the level of this team with the odd signing that can help us to tackle the challenges ahead of us, but let me say that improving the current Real Madrid squad is immensely difficult," he said.

"This team has won everything and has shown the level it has. The fans can rest assured that this squad will possess the level of competitiveness that is demanded of this club."

Meanwhile, Benitez played down recent reports that Gareth Bale has asked him to play behind the striker as he used to do at Tottenham – forcing Cristiano Ronaldo out of his favoured position.

"Contrary to what is being said, Iker, Sergio, Cristiano, Isco, Bale, none of them are 'demanding' to play here or there, among other reasons because we haven't yet decided the most appropriate system with which to try to get the most out of each player. They have to feel at ease on the pitch to give us the best they can," Benitez said.