Sky Sports share update on double deal after NUFC reporter says we’re ‘close’ to 2 signings

This morning, the Northern Echo’s Scott Wilson claimed Newcastle were ‘closing in’ on a double deal for Arsenal’s Rob Holding and Porto striker Moussa Marega.

He claimed that a loan deal for Holding was nearing completion and that we were in negotiations with Porto after submitting a £13m bid for Mali international Marega.

It all sounds positive, until Sky Sports’ Keith Downie shared a midday update on the duo, reporting that a loan deal for Holding was still “some way off” and that we’re yet to hold talks or submit an offer for Marega:

Newcastle are interested in bringing in Arsenal defender Rob Holding on loan – and talks have taken place…but a deal is still some way off I’m told. Understand there’s been no talks/approach for Moussa Marega of Porto #NUFC

— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) August 30, 2020

This comes after The Athletic said yesterday that Holding’s move to Tyneside was all set to go through next week, with personal terms expected to be ironed out in the coming days, while there was no one knocking back talk of a bid for Marega after Portuguese outlet A Bola credited us with serious interest following a bid of ’15m euros’.

So, if Downie is to be believed, Holding is far from done just yet and we’ve not made any official move for Marega as things stand – although he ‘fully expects’ AT LEAST one striker to sign:

I fully expect at least one forward/striker to follow.

— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) August 30, 2020

With West Ham now less than two weeks away, it’s time we got moving!

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