Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has aired his frustrations over attempts to make new signings this week amid interest in Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard.
The Magpies have been one of the bigger movers in the January transfer window so far, with Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood making their way to St James’ Park.
They’re expected to do plenty more business before the end of the month, with Sevilla defender Diego Carlos also a target along with a loan move for Lingard.
The winger is in the final few months of his contract at Old Trafford, and is being heavily linked with a move away this month, with West Ham also in the running after his successful spell at the London Stadium last year. Tottenham are looking into a summer free transfer.
Howe, though, has been left frustrated BY efforts to sign the 29-year-old AS Newcastle desperately try to improve the squad as they look to drag themselves away from the foot of the Premier League.
Confirming his side wouldn’t be making any new signings before their weekend clash with Leeds, Howe said: “It’s been a slightly frustrating week for us in the transfer market.
“We obviously know we’re against a deadline, and everyone connected with the club is desperately trying to improve the squad. We’re working very hard behind the scenes, but it’s been a fruitless search this week.”
Howe added: “It’s a very difficult combination of things this January. When you add Covid to the mix, clubs are reluctant to lose players just in case there’s an outbreak at their club.
“January is already notoriously very difficult to bring in the right players, but when you add that in (it becomes even harder). Then I’m sure the takeover has elevated people’s expectations of what Newcastle can pay other clubs.
“Add that all together, and it’s been a very difficult window so far for everybody, but more so when you’re in our position and very keen to add to the group and try to change the dynamics of certain situations within the squad. It’s been very difficult.”
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