Eddie Howe has confirmed that Newcastle United remain active in the transfer market amid fresh links with Brentford forward Yoane Wissa.
Newcastle are making progress in their bid to sign Wissa, who scored 19 Premier League goals for Brentford last season.
The DR Congo international is seen as a replacement for Callum Wilson rather than Alexander Isak, although that does not mean the Sweden international will be staying at the club amid interest from Liverpool.
Newcastle are also trying to sign AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw, while Howe has confirmed the club want to add a new midfielder to the squad.
It promises to be a busy few weeks for the Newcastle United manager, who desperately needs additions ahead of the new season.
Howe offered an update when speaking after Friday’s 2-2 draw with Espanyol in pre-season.
Eddie howe gives instructions during Newcastle United's pre-season friendly against Espanyol.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Eddie Howe admits Newcastle United are not happy with their squad
Howe was asked about the very latest on the transfer window after the game.
He revealed that the club are working very hard to try and add to their squad, and suggested that Newcastle are not the only team to have struggled to sign players this summer.
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“We’re focused on a number of positions and a number of players,” he said.
“We’re still working incredibly hard to try to add. I think we’re one of a number of teams who’ve found it difficult to bring in the right players.”
Howe added: “We’re still looking. We’re active, and we’ll be active until we have the squad that we want – and that isn’t the case, clearly, at the moment, with gaps to fill.”
Newcastle United can still save their transfer window
Regardless of what happens with Isak, Newcastle still have plenty of time to save their summer.
While little about what the club have done so far would suggest that is likely, it’s certainly not impossible.
It’s easy to forget that they have signed Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale this summer. Should they strengthen at centre-back, up front and in midfield, then perhaps the mood around the club will change.
That’s clearly easier said than done but owners PIF remain ambitious at Newcastle, so there’s still time to change it.
Questions can then be asked about how arduous this summer has been…