The following article was on the geordiebootboys.com website:
Newcastle United now face a busy deadline day at St James’ Park as Eddie Howe puts the finishing touches on his side with some last-ditch signings and outgoing transfers.
The Toon have already strengthened their team on the back of qualifying for the Champions League last season. Howe took Newcastle to their first top-four Premier League finish since 2003. Their successes would help to convince Sandro Tonali to leave AC Milan for Tyneside.
Tino Livramento, Harvey Barnes and Lewis Hall have also arrived in Newcastle to strengthen Howe’s squad. But the Magpies have also said goodbye to Allan Saint-Maximin as he moved to Saudi Arabia. While Jamal Lewis and Harrison Ashby have agreed to temporary transfers.
Howe will hope his signings so far this summer and whatever transfers Newcastle now strike on deadline day deliver results. The Toon have started slowly in the Premier League with just one win from three games. Their two defeats are 40% of their total five defeats in 2022/23.
Keeping Sven Botman and Fabian Schar fit was ***** for the Magpies only losing five times all term. But Howe hopes Newcastle can seal the signing of at least one more defender during deadline day. So, with that in mind, who may be on their way before the market slams shut?
Newcastle United’s potential transfer deadline day signings
One defender whom Newcastle admire is Harry Maguire and they could yet target a transfer from Manchester United still. The Daily Mail reports that the Toon admire what the 30-year-old can offer under Howe. But the Red Devils will reject any approach for just a loan transfer.
Everton and West Ham United also appreciate Maguire, who is open to leaving Old Trafford in search of regular minutes. The Irons are also set to revive their pursuit after failing with a £30m bid earlier this month. Maguire is yet to feature for a single second so far this season.
Newcastle are also open to signing another attacker, with PSV Eindhoven’s Johan Bakayoko one such transfer target for deadline day. Alan Nixon reports that the Magpies have eyes on a deal to add depth on the right flank. But the 20-year-old Belgium talent would cost £30m.
Another attacking option is Arsenal ace Emile Smith Rowe as 90min reports that Newcastle and Aston Villa have held talks. The Premier League rivals approached the Gunners to sound out a loan deal. But Arsenal are not minded to let the England gem leave Emirates Stadium.
Amine Adli also has admirers at St James’ Park after The Guardian credited Newcastle with an interest in his signature. But Bayer Leverkusen have demanded £30m all summer for the 23-year-old. While Fabrice Hawkins notes that Brighton have also now contacted his agent.
Newcastle may even raid Wolves on deadline day with The Secret Scout touting Leo Shahar as an option for Howe. The Magpies have sought his signature all summer and are now said to be close to a deal. The right-back has not made a senior appearance so far in his career.
Watford talent Yaser Asprilla is another youngster whom Newcastle admire for a last-gasp transfer. Nixon also suggests that the three-cap senior Colombia midfielder is keen to secure a move to the Premier League. He has one goal and two assists in 42 games for the Hornets.
Two players who could still leave St James’ Park
Howe also hopes the exit doors at Darsley Park are busy on deadline day as Newcastle strive to trim their squad with some last-gasp transfers. Yet TEAMtalk notes that the Toon boss has rejected an approach from Fulham trying to sign Matt Targett on loan for the 2023/24 term.
The Magpies coach still feels Targett has a big role to play, despite them recently signing Hall from Chelsea. Yet the defender could test his manager’s resolve. Newcastle World adds that Targett is frustrated at Newcastle and is open to a move away after falling down their order.
Another Newcastle player has also seen a last-gasp transfer collapse ahead of deadline day in Isaac Hayden. Luton Town coach Rob Edwards confirmed this week they failed to agree on terms with the Toon. But the Hatters could revisit his situation before the market slams shut.
“We couldn’t quite agree a deal, unfortunately,” Edwards said of Hayden’s loan transfer from Newcastle, via quotes by Luton Today. “He’s someone we had a look at, clearly, there was interest. He’s a good player but, unfortunately, we couldn’t quite agree a deal.”