EDDIE HOWE has confirmed Newcastle United will not be signing a new centre-half ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League game with Watford.

Chris Wood is primed to make his Magpies debut against the Hornets, but Howe had also been hoping to have a new central defender in the ranks ahead of the relegation clash.

Newcastle’s recruitment team, led by director Amanda Staveley, have made bids for Lille’s Sven Botman and Sevilla’s Diego Carlos, but have been unable to reach an agreement over either.

As a result, Howe will lead his side into tomorrow’s game with Wood and Kieran Trippier as their only January additions.

The Newcastle head coach said: “We’re not close to anyone else currently. The squad of players we have will be the squad of players we have for Watford.

“We are looking. We’ve got time left in the window, and we know we need to move quickly if we need to try to add more players.

“Obviously, we’re still active in the market, but there’s no immediate news to give you on that front.”