Eddie Howe remains confident that Newcastle United will make a transfer breakthrough in time for the Premier League's big kick off.
Despite being dealt transfer blows on Hugo Ekitike, who opted for Paris St-Germain, and Moussa Diaby, who says he is staying at Bayer Leverkusen, Howe and sporting director Dan Ashworth have other targets in mind. One of them is Leeds United's Jack Harrison but negotiations remain ongoing over a price for the £35million rated winger.
Howe likes the Stoke-born Elland Road star but Newcastle have not come close to Leeds' valuation of the star. Harrison has two years left on his current deal with the Yorkshire club which puts them in a strong position on an asking price.
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Atalanta striker Duván Zapata is another linked but sources in Italy say there has been no concrete bid for the Serie A star despite fresh links. Reports in London say the price for ex-Toon striker Ivan Toney would be £40million.
United's problems this summer differ to those of previous windows under Mike Ashley. They have money to spend but are struggling to attract players of the high calibre bracket because they can't offer European football.
Another issue has been selling clubs cranking prices up to astronomical levels with the Harrison situation demonstrating exactly that. Harrison's asking price of £35million is arguably double his worth.
Newcastle are assessing their options and Ashworth is trying to find clubs that are willing to sell targets. After numerous meetings last week Howe and his backroom team want at least two more deals before the window closes on September 1.
Whether a deal can be done in time for that opener against Nottingham Forest remains to be seen but that is certainly the aim of United.
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