Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has admitted no incomings are imminent as the Magpies ponder their next move in the transfer market. Howe has so far been frustrated in his efforts to land attacking reinforcements, with a host of targets linked in recent weeks.
Goncalo Ramos is the latest name to reportedly feature on United's shortlist, with reports from Portugal claiming a potential £25 million deal for the forward could be on the cards. The 20-year-old became a first-team regular with Benfica last season, and netted against the Magpies in the pre-season Eusebio Cup clash last month.
Newcastle could yet revive their interest in James Maddison, having seen two bids turned down by Leicester City for the attacking midfielder. The Foxes are said to be holding out for £60m for the playmaker who has entered the final two years of his contract.
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Leicester are also holding firm on Wesley Fofana in the face of interest from Chelsea, although Brendan Rodgers has admitted the club need to sell in order to spend in the remaining weeks of the window. Former Magpies midfielder Lee Clark believes Maddison would be a 'fantastic' signing, and feels United are currently locked in a 'cat and mouse' pursuit.
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He told ChronicleLive: "His stats are fantastic, he had a terrific return for what you call a number 10. It gives you a different dynamic in terms of how they could play.
"James is one of those advanced 10s, he can play in little pockets, his stats tell you that he will get in behind and make runs from deep to break lines. His goals return and assists is terrific.
"I wasn't surprised, I would love that deal to go through. But Leicester will be wanting the market value for their top players.
"It's a bit cat and mouse at the moment, but Maddison would be an exciting signing to come to Newcastle. I really like him, he's got another string to his bow with set-pieces which is another thing you add to your armoury."
Reports over Newcastle's bids have differed, although the clubs are believed to be remain some way apart in their respective valuations of Maddison. The Magpies sit on four points following their opening two Premier League fixtures, but concerns remain over the team's creativity in the final third.
United's refusal to meet Leicester's demands was the subject of debate among supporters on social media. However, Clark feels this negotiating tactic is proof the club's new owners will not be held to 'ransom'.
He added: "I don't know if I speak for all Newcastle fans, but this has shown me these owners...most people thought they were coming with this money and would be held to ransom. The appointment of Dan Ashworth is a masterstroke, he's the very best as a technical director, he'll be advising them and will not be paying what the clubs want when they're putting the highest price on their players.
"Financial Fair Play is territory a lot of Newcastle fans won't understand because we don't know all of the ins and outs. It could be something to do with that, but ultimately it is the club saying they are wealthy, but we are building it in the right way."
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