Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe _(Image: David Davies)_
NEWCASTLE United will press on with their efforts to strengthen their attack in the next week, with Eddie Howe hoping rather than expecting a breakthrough ahead of the Liverpool game.
The Magpies are on the verge of completing the signing of Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa, but Howe is desperate to add to his forward line.
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Strengthening up-front has been a priority since Callum Wilson's exit was confirmed, and Newcastle hope to finally make progress in their pursuit of Yoane Wissa after Brentford completed the signing of Dango Ouattara.
Newcastle remain in the market for another striker amid Alexander Isak's situation and desire to leave the club this month.
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But signing an elite centre-forward is easier said than done, as Newcastle have discovered this summer.
"It seems like the striker market every year gets tighter and tighter," said Howe.
"Maybe that's because we've continued to grow as a team.
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"Anyone coming in to make us better, there aren't many available of that calibre and when they are potentially available the price seems to go up and up and up.
"Then you're dealt other challenges: PSR, how much you spend in one window, the long term effects if we do make a transfer. So it's not as clear as going out and getting any player.
"They have to fit the team, make us better and be affordable, so that's not a large group of players."
Asked whether he expects striker progress in the next week, Howe said: "Expect is the wrong word. We are working hard to bring more players in. It would probably be more hope than expectation.
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"It's been my wish to get a striker in.
"We needed to replace Callum Wilson. We've been looking to replace a striker to replace Callum.
"Callum is a big miss, not just his playing ability but his personality. That's what we're looking to do."