Newcastle United head into the final stage of the summer window still pushing to sign attacking options for Eddie Howe's side. It has proved a frustrating few weeks in terms of incomings after three deals were done before July had even rolled around.
The Magpies boss has admitted he wants more bodies through the door before September 1 as he seeks firepower for his side. Work is being done behind the scenes to ensure a handful of attacking options are signed before the summer deadline.
So with less than two weeks left of the transfer window, where do Newcastle stand in their hunt for creativity at the top end of the pitch?
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Watford striker Joao Pedro looks the most likely target at present, as Chronicle Live understands the Brazilian is keen to make the move to the north east. Hornets boss Rob Edwards has vowed to keep the 20-year-old at Vicarage Road but the Magpies may be set to test the club's resolve with another fresh bid.
Pedro was left out of Watford's matchday squad on Saturday against Preston North End. A 'minor calf problem' was the club's official reasoning for the omission.
Chelsea's attacking stars have also caught the eye of Newcastle bosses, with Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi in attendance at Stamford Bridge during the Blues' 2-2 draw with Tottenham last weekend.
Newcastle have asked the west London side to keep them abreast of players who could depart on loan or permanently before the end of the month. Christian Pulisic, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja are the names on Howe's radar.
"I know there is a lot of talk," Tuchel said on rumours over his players' future. "We will not comment on our players [leaving].
"We had two training sessions with 18 players in a schedule where we play once a week. We have what we have, we know what we're looking for and only from there we can think about players leaving."
Chronicle Live reported this week that Chelsea were open to letting Pulisic leave. Tuchel needs both funds and free space in his first-team squad as Chelsea look to sign Anthony Gordon, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Frenkie De Jong and Wesley Fofana in the coming days.
Another target is Goncalo Ramos of Benfica. A 21-year-old forward who is in fine form already this term, scoring against Newcastle in the Eusebio Cup back in July.
Ramos' fine performances in Portugal have caught the eye of Newcastle scouts but also those working at Everton, Wolves and Southampton. Speaking this week, Benfica boss Roger Schmidt admitted a deal could be possible.
“When we see him play, we feel that he loves playing for Benfica, as you can see," he said. "Football is a business and therefore we cannot be sure what will happen."
Meanwhile, it looks like any move for James Maddison is dead in the water after Newcastle failed to match Leicester's grand valuation of the attacking midfielder. Now, it looks like the Foxes will try and tie him down to a new deal.
Asked whether there had been dialogue between the club and the player, Rodgers said: “I believe so, I believe they’ve spoken. Yeah, Jon (Rudkin, director of football) has spoken to them a number of times, yes. I’m pretty sure the club would want to do that (tie him down). Both sides have to be able to find an agreement.
“With James, with two years left, naturally the club would want to protect the asset. But it works both ways. Sometimes, everything goes onto the club. If a player, I’m not saying James, doesn’t want to sign it, then it can be a stalemate. But absolutely, he’s an outstanding player and of course, Leicester City would benefit from keeping him longer.”
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