The Magpies have tried and failed to sign a number of big-name targets this summer as Eddie Howe faces transfer window reality in the final fortnight of business
Eddie Howe gives thumbs up during the pre-season friendly match between Newcastle United and RCD Espanyol
Newcastle United missed out on a host of strikers during the summer transfer window but Eddie Howe is convinced he can still find the right star to lead the line for the Magpies.
Benjamin Sesko, Joao Pedro and Hugo Ekitike were all viable options for Newcastle in terms of money to spend.
At one stage the Ekitike deal - as talks with Eintracht Frankfurt hit the buffers - had United fans excited until he opted for Liverpool.
Pedro went to Chelsea and Sesko went to fulfil a boyhood dream to play for Manchester United which proved to be a major blow for the black-and-whites.
To make matters worse, Newcastle have had issues with Alexander Isak with the striker not available for selection ahead of the opener against Aston Villa tomorrow lunchtime.
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When asked if the Isak saga had dented hopes of signing a new striker, Howe told Chronicle Live: "It has not limited us in terms of what we are trying to do. We have been looking to sign a striker all summer.
"We lost Callum Wilson at the end of last year, so a striker was a necessity for us all through the window, and that has not changed.
"We are still in that position. For loads of different reasons, we have not been able to sign one (a striker). But we still have time."
The absence of Isak has left Newcastle lacking a world class striker, so that being the case are the Magpies looking for an elite replacement?
Howe added: "We are looking to sign a striker and we will look to sign the best one we can. I am very reluctant to put anyone in world class status - I will let you (the media) do that.
"I just focus on bringing the player in that we feel suits us and the way that we play, and that can make the difference, they are the key qualities that I look at."
Given Newcastle missed out on Sesko, Pedro and Ekitike it could also be argued that there is a distinct lack of quality and value left to choose from in what has been a fierce window.
When this was put to Howe, the head coach said: "I think it is a very small field. The centre-forward market this year is as tight as I have ever known it really.
"Yes, we have been active for a few, and for whatever reason, they have not happened. I can't deny that.
"But we are still actively looking, and I still believe there is somebody there who can fit our requirements."