Eddie Howe has revealed that Newcastle United's luck in the transfer market has not been helped by some of their summer targets turning down the Magpies in favour of moves elsewhere.
Newcastle missed out on Hugo Ekitike after a bid was lodged but the player opted to sign for Paris St-Germain, while another mooted target in Burnley's Maxwel Cornet is set to head West Ham after United were linked with the player. It leaves Howe in a position where he has actually lost a forward player in Dwight Gayle going into the opener against Nottingham Forest with just Chris Wood and Callum Wilson as recognised strikers.
Although Howe did say in his press conference today that he could use either Joelinton or Allan Saint-Maximin as a striker if needed.
TAKE PART: Ambition, trust, atmosphere - 'The Big Newcastle United Forum'
When asked about transfers, Howe said there was no update: "Not this week - nothing has progressed any further. "The situation has remained the same since we made that last signing (Botman).
"We're working hard to try to add to the group. We are acting in the market and we will wait to see if we can add players before the window shuts."
And expanding on his frustration at not being able to add to his roster for the Forest clash, Howe insisted that factors were not dropping the way of United.
Howe added: "There's no frustration from me at the club - it is circumstances around it. We have missed out on a couple of players because they wanted to go elsewhere.
"That is the delicate thing, it's not always the other club. A whole bunch of things have to drop for you. So it is an ever-moving thing that is always changing. But I am confident that we can make the squad as strong as possible."
READ NEXT
Eddie Howe responds amid talk of Newcastle United bid for Leicester City star James Maddison
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe sends Callum Wilson warning to Premier League after impressive pre-season
Newcastle 2-1 Athletic Bilbao player ratings as Wilson impresses amid Dubravka and Ritchie reminder
Newcastle 2-1 Athletic Bilbao as Allan Saint-Maximin goal ensures final pre-season victory
Newcastle United chiefs working overtime on transfers as Leicester demand £60m for James Maddison
