Newcastle United avoid scattergun approach of rivals…

Newcastle United avoid scattergun approach of rivals with measured transfer plan

Newcastle United continue in their quest for additions after almost six weeks without new arrivals on Tyneside. Sven Botman, Matt Targett and Nick Pope were all added to Eddie Howe's ranks back in June before a quiet period of slight frustration in the summer market.

Premier League rivals Everton have gone gung-ho of late, with Amadou Onana and Connor Coady signed this week and Idrissa Gueye on the way. Aston Villa spent big at the beginning of the window, while Nottingham Forest believe the best way to shore up their Premier League status is by purchasing an entirely new squad.

While other clubs have been scattergun with their transfer approach this summer, it has been a measured strategy from the Magpies. Howe admits that the club are now only looking at a small number of targets after shrinking the size of their shortlist.

"We are still looking for one or two players that can make a difference for us. We’ll never stop until the window shuts to try and add to the group. [It’s] no secret that we’ve been looking at a couple of attacking players that can make a difference for us," he told Sky Sports.

“Different profiles, you know, but as you say, until you get a deal over the line then we’ll continue to look and see what we can do. But as I’ve said, the pool of players we’re looking at is actually quite small, it’s not a huge amount of names. So that’s why the deals become difficult.”

There is clamour among supporters for a marquee addition. Yes, Botman's arrival is a statement of intent but fans also want a big-name attacker added before the end of the month.

James Maddison remains the most likely addition at present, if they can persuade Leicester City to sell. Anthony Gordon is back on the radar and Lucas Paqueta speculation doesn't want to disappear.

A more measured approach is being taken in the final stretch of the summer. While there is a frustration behind the scenes, Howe and his team are not resorting to panicked deals and paying over the odds - something pundit Gary Neville agrees with.

"To bridge the gap to the top in a more cautious and conservative manner with Eddie Howe, signing players that build respectability in football so they don’t look like they’re just throwing money left right and centre, I think it’s definitely the best way to do it," Neville said earlier this summer.

Three weeks remain until the end of the window and Howe believes he will have one or two further additions in his team before the month is out.

Newcastle United avoid scattergun approach of rivals with measured transfer plan

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