An update has arrived on Newcastle United’s transfer activity as the club look for not one but two breakthroughs after a tough start to the summer window.
Mark Douglas has released a new piece for [The iPaper](https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/newcastle-aim-to-kickstart-transfer-business-with-howe-at-the-helm-3784240?ito=link_share_article-top) tonight, detailing a major shift behind the scenes now Paul Mitchell has officially left the club.
With our previous ‘transfer expert’ gone, leaving no sporting director in place, Eddie Howe has resumed greater influence in our recruitment department, working alongside nephew Andy Howe and Steve Nickson to push through deals for two top targets in particular ahead of our return to pre-season training next week.
Our approach has swung back to a manager-led strategy now Mitchell’s voice is no longer in the conversation and our it’s hoped progress will be made on deals for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford and Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga.
Douglas reports that a deal for Trafford could be tied up ‘as early as next week’, with his move to St James’ Park ‘on the cards’, while talks are continuing with Forest after the club have received encouragement that the player himself is keen to sign.
Newcastle are yet to agree fees with either club, reports The iPaper, but ongoing talks and clear indications that both would like to sign suggests a breakthrough could arrive – hopefully soon.
Douglas adds that there is no sense of panic on Tyneside, with Howe’s previous demand of “we only want players who want to come to us” easing frustration around Joao Pedro pushing to join Chelsea instead.
The club made bids for the Brazilian, but his wish to pick Chelsea and the London life means he wasn’t backing the project like others who’ve joined post-takeover, allowing us to move on to options who \*really\* want to be here.