Newcastle United could end the window without making a single signing
Kieran Trippier fronted up after the game against Liverpool
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Newcastle United could well be forced to finish the season with the same squad - with Eddie Howe admitting he can't rely on the club bringing in new signings on deadline day.
As the clock ticked towards the eve of the final day of trading, Howe was asked if fans could hang their hat on bringing in reinforcements. But the subdued head coach simply told Chronicle Live: "No."
Howe had been a little more hopeful when asked on Friday if he would be getting a new back-up defender or two. But in a window that has filed to capture the imagination of the fans, Howe may be forced to recall Matt Targett.
The former Aston Villa man may represent Howe's only option of a fresh face but the left-sided defender does not want to leave. When asked about Targett, Howe said: "That is something that will be discussed."
And his squad could yet be depleted further as Birmingham City and Leicester City consider a late swoop for Jamaal Lascelles.. The former skipper is edging near the exit door after an injury-ravaged 18 months. When asked on outgoings, a glum looking Howe said: "The only one who could possibly leave is Jamaal Lascelles."
Howe, when asked on signings, had earlier said in a TV interview: "Not as far as I know at this moment in time. I know there are talks going on behind the scenes in terms of potential signings, maybe more for the future, but I don't think so."
Newcastle sources ruled out a possible deadline day sale for Joe Willock on Saturday morning after he was linked with Fulham.
Kieran Trippier fronts up
After the 4-1 defeat last night, not one Newcastle player opted to stop in the mixed zone on a bleak night. In fairness, due to late deadlines, the majority of the waiting Press pack were focused on Liverpool players.
But there were few in black and white that fancied digesting the defeat publicly. Kieran Trippier took on the TV duties, but said: "We are disappointed as a group.
"When you come here you know you will have to deal with the pressure of Liverpool, you have to keep composure and your calm, then one long ball over the top and they score. There is no time to dwell on it, we have another massive game."
Things could get worse before they get better
The Magpies slipped to 10th place in the table and could sink further if rivals Sunderland avoid defeat against Burnley.
Howe was not in the mood to digest league positions in the immediate aftermath of the loss but Newcastle trail fourth-placed Chelsea by seven points and fifth placed Liverpool by six. They have a major chase on if they are to get back in Champions League contention via the Premier League positions now with 14 matches left.
Howe said: "We are in a tough run with a lot of away fixtures so we are going to be really finely tuned and hope we can solve our away form and in the next games we can come up with the solutions to take us forward."
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