Newcastle United

Newcastle United

Premier League • England

Two big names emerge as Newcastle push for last-gasp marquee signing, with Howe comments in the bin

Amadou Haidara RB Leipzig August 2022

Newcastle United are still hopeful of adding a marquee signing to their squad before Thursday’s transfer deadline, according to a report.

The Magpies are pushing to try and bolster their midfield options with a significant deal, reports one journalist. And Dan Ashworth and Eddie Howe have two names in mind, according to Jacque Talbot.

RedBull Leipzig star Amadou Haidara and Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans are the two players that Newcastle are keen on. Talbot insists that Newcastle could still spend “good money” ahead of Thursday’s 11pm deadline.

Haidara, 24, has failed to start all four of Leipzig’s Bundesliga games this season. He has appeared from the bench in three games, but Leipzig have been reluctant to sell so far this summer.

But with team-mate Konrad Laimer set to stay, the German side could listen to offers for Haidara, who is under contract until 2025.

Laimer has been linked with Liverpool, but Fabrizio Romano said: “The problem is that Leipzig don’t want to sell an important player at the end of the transfer window. So that will be the same problem for Liverpool.”

Tielemans meanwhile is another option for Howe. And Football Insider have reported that an unnamed club has made a bid of around £19m made for all-action midfielder.

Whether or not that is Newcastle remains unclear, but Talbot insists the Toon Army hold an interest in the Belgium star.

Leipzig playing hardball

“There’s still a feeling Newcastle would spend good money if the right deal came up in midfield,” Talbot told NUFCblog.

“They’re very keen on both Amadou Haidara of RB Leipzig and Leicester’s Youri Tielemans.

“Leipzig are playing hardball with Haidara, but things could open up with the right offer now Laimer is staying. Newcastle hold a long-term interest here.

“As for Tielemans, he wants to leave. Liverpool are admirers and Arsenal may look to him if they decide to act on injuries to Partey and Elneny. But Newcastle are certainly keen. And know this could be their chance now he’s entered the final 12 months of his contract at Leicester.

“Don’t rule out another big signing before the window shuts. They might just have another ace up their sleeve.”

Howe: ‘I don’t expect any major business to be done’

If Newcastle do splash the cash in the next day or so, it will go directly against what Howe said on Tuesday.

The United boss did leave the door open for loan signings, but insisted there would be no major incomings on Tyneside.

“I don’t expect to be to be honest. We’re very pleased with the business we’ve done,” said Howe, when he was asked about transfers at his press conference.

“The injuries we have we believe to be short-term so there might be a bit of short-term pain around the squad. Longer term, when those bodies are back, we’re very strong.

“That’s not to say we’re totally closed off. We’re obviously still looking but I don’t expect any major business to be done.”