Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe's main aim in the last fortnight of the summer transfer window is to ensure the Magpies have sufficient cover in key areas.
As the January signing of Bruno Guimaraes proved, when the Brazilian international arrived from Lyon for £33.5million, things can change in the market quickly and a marquee signing can suddenly become available. But with Howe and sporting director Dan Ashworth plan for the last throes of the window they are keen to make certain of the fact there is plenty of back-up where its needed.
Once Newcastle's Super Sunday game against Manchester City is done and dusted, United will have just 13 matches before break for the World Cup in Qatar. And by the time they resume on Boxing Day away to Leicester City there will be just five days before the January window opens in 2023.
The long break in November and December will also give United a chance to assess exactly where they are and get plans in place for the winter should any injuries crop up. But as they head into the final two weeks of this window here's where things stand on their current targets.
Joao Pedro
A bid was lodged for the 20-year-old this week but Watford rejected the Magpies' initial offer of £20million. The Hornets are holding on for a higher fee and whether a revised bid of £25million is enough remains to be seen.
His former club Fluminense will be due a cut of 10% on any final sale which is the reason they are playing hardball. Newcastle want Pedro to come in and learn from senior professionals while also getting his fair share of game-time.
Pedro's representatives will be devastated if Watford block a massive opportunity for their client.
Armando Broja
The 20-year-old has been a long-term summer target for Newcastle but like the clutch of other Stamford Bridge loanees linked in recent days, United will have to wait for a final decision from Chelsea.
Broja was certainly on Newcastle's loan list but much depends on whether Thomas Tuchel brings in another striker or not. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is a target but Barcelona have slapped a £21million price tag on the ex-Dortmund star despite getting him on a free transfer last winter.
Should Tuchel win the race for the ex-Arsenal man he would then have a decision to make on Broja. Everton, Newcastle and Southampton are all keen on a loan.
Goncalo Ramos
Benfica know what they are doing with Ramos but are making the most of him while he's still with them. Ramos all but fired Benfica into the lucrative group stages of the Champions League with an insurance goal against Dinamo Kiev last night.
Should Benfica safely make it through next week in the second leg, a late window bidding war should unfold. Wolves, Southampton and Newcastle would all be in the mix.
Anthony Gordon
Newcastle have stepped back from the Everton man after two bids went in this week from Chelsea. On Sunday night an offer of £40million was submitted before a follow up of £45million was then publicly acknowledged.
The feeling is that Everton will eventually take a bigger bid for Gordon before reinvesting the cash. Everton supremo Bill Kenwright does not want to face public criticism for selling the local lad but may be left faced with an irresistible offer.
Newcastle like Gordon but have more than one midfielder in mind at the moment.
James Maddison
The Leicester City star has got on with life with the Foxes after a huge structured bid of around £40million went in for the England international two weeks ago. Brendan Rodgers knows he might have to part with the star at some stage this window.
But Newcastle are keeping calm and their offer remains on the table for Maddison.
Callum Hudson-Odoi
The Chelsea ace is a wanted man this window with the list of interested clubs in double figures. The winger is not your typical fringe player.
And while he is still just 21 he has three England caps to his name and over 100 Chelsea first-team appearances. Hudson-Odoi has played in cup finals and won silverware already, he's not looking to sit on the bench and wants first-team assurances.
READ NEXT
- Match verdict as Nick Pope justifies big Eddie Howe decision
- Pope shines and Joelinton strong: Newcastle player ratings
- Callum Wilson talks about life at Newcastle's under-construction training ground
- Brendan Rodgers drops fresh hint to Newcastle United on James Maddison
- Newcastle transfers state of play as Howe has already commented on Benfica star
