Jose Enrique has urged former side Newcastle United to not give up in their pursuit of Sevilla defender Diego Carlos.
However, the Magpies full-back has warned the club against a prospective deal for out-of-favour Manchester United attacker Jesse Lingard.
Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood have already signed at St James' Park this month, and speculation continues to mount over further deals in the closing days of the window.
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Eddie Howe is currently putting his side through their paces during a week-long training camp in Saudi Arabia, with a friendly against Al-Ittihad to come on Friday.
However, the head coach will be involved in regular conversations with part owners Mehrdad Ghodoussi and Amanda Staveley over transfer targets.
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Carlos and Lingard are among a host of names tipped with a prospective move, with negotiations under way for Lyon playmaker Bruno Guimaraes.
A deal for the Sevilla centre-back appears to be dead, with the club's director of football insisting the Magpies offer for the 28-year-old 'wasn't enough'.
That has not stopped Enrique from giving his seal of approval to a move, claiming the signing of the Brazil international would prove a 'massive' coup.
He told Boyle Sports : There’s talk about Newcastle signing Diego Carlos from Sevilla - if that deal happens it will be massive. He’s a player I know very well and he’s top quality.
"They definitely need a centre back because defensively they’ve been struggling. They maybe need a left-back as well. If they sign Diego Carlos it will be a massive transfer window for Newcastle."
Newcastle's move for Lingard also appears to have hit an impasse, with reports indicating the Magpies are refusing to meet a bonus clause demanded by Manchester United as part of a loan deal.
Enrique believes the former West Ham loanee is a 'very good player' on his day, but has cast doubt over his suitability on Tyneside due to his actions 'off the field'.
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The former full-back added: “Jesse Lingard is a very good player when he’s on form. Obviously Eddie knows better, but long term I don’t know if he’s the right player.
"Off the field, he’s not my kind of player if I was a manager. But if he can help them now he would definitely be a good signing.”
