WITH the transfer window due to close at the start of next month, the next couple of weeks will be crucial as Newcastle United look to complete their business. How are things shaping up with the transfer clock ticking?


Signed: Nick Pope, Matt Targett, Sven Botman


After a hectic start to the window, Newcastle’s transfer business has slowed significantly in the last couple of weeks. That is partly a reflection of how successful the Magpies have been in the transfer market since their Saudi Arabia-backed owners took over last autumn, but it is also a product of the club’s ongoing refusal to pay what they believe to be inflated asking prices because of their perceived wealth.

Ideally, Eddie Howe would like to bring in two more players before the window swings shut – a new centre-forward to provide cover and competition for Callum Wilson and Chris Wood, and an attacking midfielder who would ideally be capable of playing in a wide-attacking role.

Newcastle’s striker search has been a long-running saga that has encompassed a failed attempt to sign Hugo Ekitike and a stalled pursuit of Armando Broja. The Magpies would still be interested in the latter if Chelsea were to sanction a loan move, but that is heavily dependent on Thomas Tuchel’s own attempts to recruit a new forward.

In the meantime, Newcastle’s recruitment team appear to be focusing in on Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos, with the 21-year-old potentially available for around €25m.

The Northern Echo:

The Magpies were willing to pay more than £40m to land James Maddison, but with Leicester having rejected two bids, their interest in the England international is currently on hold. Might that mean a new move for Lyon’s Lucas Paqueta? Possibly, although the Ligue 1 club would have to reduce their asking price and Newcastle would have to beat off competition from Arsenal for a deal to go through.

There will be outgoings ahead of September 1, with Howe keen to offload one of his senior goalkeepers and willing to listen to offers for full-back Javier Manquillo.