Eddie Howe says Newcastle United are "trying" to bring in new signings as the January window heads into the final straight.
The Magpies have been linked heavily with Anthony Gordon and Dominic Calvert-Lewin with Everton playing hardball on all sales given their precarious Premier League position. Gordon's representatives were involved in talks with Newcastle last summer but a price tag could not be agreed.
And the Merseysider is again believed to be on Newcastle's radar in the remaining days of the window. Howe did not categorically rule out the 21-year-old at his Press conference, but also refused to divulge whether there was any interest in the Everton star.
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The reality is Everton are in a strong position on Gordon as things stand and could even demand £60million - the fee Spurs failed with last year - for his services. Yet that could change significantly if Everton go down with the player's loyalty then to be put to the ultimate test.
When asked directly on Gordon, Howe told Chronicle Live: "No, no comment on any players."
Howe has been focused on Newcastle's 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace at the weekend and the preparations for the quick turnaround to Southampton for the League Cup semi-final. When asked further on transfers, Howe underlined his role as head coach and knows others - such as transfer chief Dan Ashworth - are looking after the recruitment side of things as he picks up points and plots a route to Wembley.
Howe said: "From my side, I shift my focus from one thing to another. That's one of my strengths, my first priority is always the games. And the players we have here, they are always my priority so training and games and making sure we don't take any shortcuts.
"Then once that is done it is the transfer market and making sure we identify the players we feel that can make the group stronger."
Howe's main message on transfers was that the final eight days will be Newcastle attempting to add to the squad they have.
Howe added: "The club are trying. That's where we are, there's no positive new to give you but certainly there is a lot of work going on."
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