There are now just two weeks of the summer transfer window remaining for Newcastle United to add to their Premier League squad. After shoring up the defence, Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth are on the hunt for attacking players to help boost United's goalscoring options.
The Magpies have started the season well, but Sunday's goalless draw at Brighton - although a solid point - underlined the need for more creativity in the final third of the field. To at end, they have been linked with numerous players, more recently Watford's Joao Pedro and Benfica's Goncalo Ramos.
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There is also interest in several Chelsea players, notably Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic, with the Newcastle hierarchy confident of getting the right player over the line before the deadline. With transfers dominating the agenda ahead of Sunday's game with Manchester City, Lee Ryder answered all your questions in his weekly Q&A session - here's the full transcript.
Stephen9: Has the Maddison deal completely died or do you think we might re-visit again depending on other business?
LEE RYDER: With James Maddison I still think there's a deal to be done but Leicester will want at least £50million for his services. Don't forget there's other interest in him from the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. Whether he is waiting to see what develops there remains to be seen. But Newcastle's initial package was turned down.
Alexrcrussell: Is Pulisic a pipe dream because of his wages? He has much better output than Hudson-Odoi and is still quite young.
LR: There are varying reports on his wages. One I saw stated £120,000 per week which would be closer to Newcastle United's wage ceiling. That said Newcastle may also pay a percentage of his wages and a loan fee which could make it a possibility. Hudson-Odoi may be young but he's been on the scene for Chelsea now for a few years and has been trusted in big games. I believe he is more than capable to play for Newcastle as a starter over the season.
Sarracenae: Has there been a dramatic change in direction for NUFC this summer? It seems that early on we were looking at spending money on our "top" targets. We were told we would not panic buy, or go down a list, if our top targets were not available we would simply wait for someone of equal quality to become available. We're now looking at relegated players again because they are cheap.
LR: There's been no change in direction and why would there be? Newcastle are very ambitious but are also being sensible. They are not throwing crazy wages at people and want players who are at the right stage for their next chapter. I think over the next few years you will see more clearly what the plan is. Also the league table from 2022 says it all - Newcastle in the top four. And they've still signed big names like Trippier, Botman and Bruno.
Gazza949: If we get at least one wide player and one attacking player surely that mens the likes of Fraser, Murphy and Miggy may all depart either on loan or permanently? Also wonder as there are 4 Chelsea players in the list could we get one on loan and one permanent, maybe Gallagher could be the permanent one?
LR: I think the squad is quite thin on the ground if injuries cut in. For example if Bruno or Joelinton got injured in the middle you are suddenly left with a big problem with Jonjo Shelvey already hurt. Despite this I still think there will be one or two departures as the squad is still oversubscribed.
Liamoliver502: How likely is it that any four of the rumoured Chelsea players will sign for Newcastle this window?
LR: The way Newcastle United's relationship with Chelsea is looking, after invites for the co-owners at the weekend, you would say that they are in the box seat when it comes to loaning one of the Chelsea players already mentioned. They can only get one, but I think Thomas Tuchel will not need reminding that Newcastle is a great location for one of his players. Callum Hudson-Odoi fits the bill in terms of position but he is currently deciding which of the half a dozen clubs that have expressed an interest in him he wishes to sign for. Armando Broja's future could depend on other incoming business for Chelsea. Christian Pulisic would be a great signing but he has some serious clubs including Juventus and Atletico Madrid keen. Conor Gallagher won't be short of options either.
Alexrcrussell: Why isn't there an attempt to grab Ismaila Sarr? He's tailor made. Is it attitude?
LR: Sarr was certainly a player Newcastle were offered the chance to sign early in the window when Watford were relegated to the Championship. He fits the bill in terms of position but Newcastle - as it stands - haven't gone back.
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