Joao Pedro truth and Newcastle's deadline day stance -…

Joao Pedro truth and Newcastle's deadline day stance - Lee Ryder's transfer transcript

Newcastle United went into deadline day with a focus on loans but a budget in place in case a transfer opportunity presented itself. That is the view of ChronicleLive's chief Newcastle United writer Lee Ryder, who has also provided an update on the Magpies interest in Joao Pedro.

With the Thursday night deadline just hours away, it looks like there will be no further incomings at St James' Park. Lucas De Bolle, Martin Dubravka, Federico Fernandez, Matty Longstaff and Kell Watts have all secured loan moves away.

Eddie Howe will no doubt be pleased with the club's business in his second window in charge, with deals agreed for Sven Botman, Alexander Isak, Nick Pope and Matt Targett. Here is a full transcript of Ryder's transfer deadline day question and answer session.

Do you think the Toon will win a major trophy this season?

I think they will have a good run in one of the competitions and the path is open to the last 16 as things stand with presentable tie against Crystal Palace coming up in November. Of course, good fortune and getting home ties is a massive factor in cups. Newcastle got all that in 2020 then blew it away to Brentford.

Beyond that, when the big guns really start to get their teeth into the competition, it becomes tough and probably too much for Newcastle this season. I'd love to be proved wrong but Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal are desperate for silverware and will be fighting each other just for the League Cup.

Do you think there will be one more quality signing this transfer window? And that doesn’t include a loan deal.

I think Newcastle United went into deadline day knowing it would be mainly loans they were looking at. But there is money available to spend and if things change on other deals you never know.

The Joao Pedro deal is interesting because Newcastle definitely went back with the same cash offer in the build-up to deadline day. As you know Pedro has issued a statement declaring he is happy but two weeks ago he was desperate to make the Newcastle move happen.

What happened to wanting a wide man and do you feel we still lack a bit more real quality in the middle of the park?

I think recent injuries have shown - with Shelvey and Bruno out - that Newcastle do indeed need more in the engine room. If it wasn't for Joelinton being a revelation in midfield they'd be in a difficult position right now.

Lucas Paqueta was a deal they could have pushed on for but felt they had enough in those positions. The idea was that Bruno can play in the position Paqueta likes and Shelvey would sit deeper.

But the fact Lucas and Bruno played together so well at Lyon understandably had people excited. I think it would have been a great deal but I know the club are looking at some very interesting names for the windows ahead.

I think we've been steady in the opening rounds of the season. A top 10 finish should still be on the radar for Eddie Howe. If things aren't going to plan the good news is he will backed again in January.

I think the squad is more than capable of a top half finish. And hopefully the days of looking over our shoulders are over.

Joao Pedro truth and Newcastle's deadline day stance - Lee Ryder's transfer transcript

Do you think the Toon will win a major trophy this season?

Do you think there will be one more quality signing this transfer window? And that doesn’t include a loan deal.

What happened to wanting a wide man and do you feel we still lack a bit more real quality in the middle of the park?

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