Newcastle United's attacking targets appear to be drying up as the business end of the transfer window rapidly approaches. The Magpies look set to head into their second Premier League game of the season without the new recruits Eddie Howe desperately desires after a tricky summer to date.
The Magpies' search for added firepower has fallen flat so far, with Howe admitting to slight frustration at being unable to get deals over the line. Despite being linked with a number of targets in recent months, the Newcastle boss recently admitted the pool of players identified has been whittled down to a select few in recent times.
With three weeks to go before the window shuts, Newcastle are working hard behind the scenes to get deals over the line. Dan Ashworth was in attendance at St. James' Park on Saturday and is liaising with Howe over potential moves.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe's Elliot Anderson decision pays off amid Newcastle United blow
Chronicle Live understands Everton youngster Anthony Gordon is back on the Magpies' radar despite failing with their pursuit of the player earlier this summer. Frank Lampard is desperate to keep the winger at Goodison Park but may have to raise funds to plug gaps elsewhere.
James Maddison is another attacking target who is proving difficult to capture. Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers insists both the midfielder and Wesley Fofana are not for sale this summer as Newcastle ponder a third bid.
However, other targets, from European outfits, look a lot less likely in the final weeks of the window. Atalanta attacking duo Duvan Zapata and Luis Muriel were both able to audition for a move to Newcastle at St. James' Park last month amid tentative speculation from Italy that Howe and his team were interested.
However, Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi believes the duo will stay in Serie A beyond the window. “For me, [Luis Muriel and Zapata] will remain at Atalanta,” he said last week. “Atalanta want to strengthen themselves. As always, it is right that you listen to the offers that may come, but we believe these two players are fundamental.”
Espanyol forward Raul de Tomas is another foreign forward linked with a Tyneside switch by European media in recent weeks. Reportedly unhappy at the La Liga outfit, the 27-year-old returned to pre-season training late and has been the subject of transfer speculation ever since.
Club chairman Mao Ye has confirmed there is interest in de Tomas but is hopeful he can keep hold of the former Real Madrid man in the short-term. “Hopefully he stays with the group. When a player feels in top shape, and the coaching staff agree, that is the objective," he said. “He is here and training well, but there are 20 days left in the transfer window, so we wait.”
Closer to home, Timo Werner has chosen to leave Chelsea for a return to RB Leipzig despite Newcastle's interest. Callum Hudson-Odoi is poised to leave the Blues on loan but Leicester and Southampton are at the front of the queue at present.
Moussa Diaby continues to be linked with a move to the Premier League despite Bayer Leverkusen's insistence over his future in Germany. Meanwhile, Dominic Calvert-Lewin's knee injury means his Everton exit now looks unlikely.
Jonjo Shelvey's hamstring problem means Newcastle may switch their transfer attention and add one more in midfield before the end of the month. Lucas Paqueta speculation persists but Manchester City and West Ham United look poised to bid for the Lyon wantaway.
The Brazilian took part in a media day with the Ligue 1 side last week and his exit now looks less certain than this time last month. Paqueta has visited Newcastle multiple times this year due to his friendship with Bruno Guimaraes, who has championed a move.
READ NEXT
Newcastle United transfer news LIVE: Callum Hudson-Odoi to leave Chelsea; Eddie Howe offers update
Man United and Chelsea pursuits give Newcastle United hope in James Maddison transfer chase
Happiness, ambition and trust: Eddie Howe and Newcastle United's owners tick all the boxes
Eddie Howe explains Jamaal Lascelles' late withdrawal minutes before Nottingham Forest clash
Eddie Howe relishing Newcastle United player 'battle' as four fight it out for same position
