Eddie Howe has admitted Newcastle United are looking to bolster their squad this month but refused to provide an update on the Magpies' reported pursuit of Everton's Anthony Gordon.
The 21-year-old has struggled for form at Goodison Park this season since being heavily linked with a big-money move to both Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea during the off-season. Gordon has managed just three Premier League goals this term, with the last of those coming in the 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace in October - the club's last league triumph.
The forward, who was a planned absentee from training at Finch Farm on Tuesday, is expected to be the subject of a £40m package from St James' Park officials, with £25m of that coming up front and the rest in performance-related add-ons.
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However, speaking after Tuesday night's League Cup victory over Southampton on the South Coast, Howe confessed he was unsure of the plays Newcastle had made for Gordon earlier in the afternoon but did reveal the club are keen to bolster their ranks this month in a bid to tighten their grip on the Champions League places.
“Honestly, I’ve got no idea," responded Howe when asked about the latest developments on Gordon. "I’ve been preparing for the game, so I’ve got no idea. But I wouldn’t comment on individual players anyway.
“I’ve got no idea if we’ve got any closer to anything, but we’re actively looking, I have said that. But as of tonight, I have no update.”
The Magpies have been the Premier League's surprise performers this season as they currently occupy third place in the table at the midway point of the campaign, and their force in the transfer market is backed by the Saudi-led consortium, who successfully purchased the club in October 2021 using the country's Public Investor Fund.
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