If Newcastle United needed any reminder of the crazy nature of this summer's transfer window (I'm sure they don't given the Botman and Ekitike sagas to date) then they need only look closer to home to find it.
United have been happy shoppers so far in the transfer market and have spent just £15million on Matt Targett and a fee of around £12million for Nick Pope. Both should be considered bargains given the climate of the market they find themselves embroiled in and it's certainly been a case of smart business.
English internationals won't come cheap, just ask any side that have made an enquiry for James Ward-Prowse. Newcastle have looked at the sought after midfielder and set-piece expert before but Southampton have now slapped a £75million asking price on the Three Lions star.
READ MORE - Forget Twitter negativity - this has been a good window so far
Ward-Prowse - who featured in England's recent UEFA Nations League stalemate against Italy at Molineux - has been offered around clubs this summer. He's still only 27 and has four years left of his Saints deal - hence the astronomical quote for his services this summer.
Newcastle need no introduction to Ward-Prowse's agency the Stellar Group having already done business for Pope this week and the Jonathan Barnett led group also represent current Toon vice-captain Jonjo Shelvey. But having already signed Bruno Guimaraes for less than £40million, the club's new co-owners have quickly learned that there is good value in France.
If United did want to add another offensive midfielder to their ranks, they know that Bruno's pal Lucas Paqueta of Lyon comes in cheaper at around £58million. As it stands they are looking at other positions but that could easily change give the fluidity pf the market and the fact Newcastle chiefs are receptive to the prospect of signings that might enhance what they already have.
Ward-Prowse's wages of £100,000 may not be so much of a problem at Newcastle although he'd be looking for a bump on top of that and might just squeeze into United's wage structure. With Man City, Man United and West Ham all said to be considering a bidding war for Ward-Prowse it's little wonder Newcastle have so far looked elsewhere.
After Pope signed on the dotted line yesterday, the Magpies now move forward with their search for a centre-back, which still includes a push for Sven Botman. Sources at St James' Park also confirmed that Hugo Ekitike talks have been ongoing this week.
Newcastle's window so far has been a good one - especially compared to numerous other years - and there's no doubt that by the time United face Nottingham Forest on August 6 they could be an even tougher proposition than they were last term. Howe is understood to be pleased with progress so far but knows there's still room for improvement and lots of scope for reshaping areas of his squad.
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