Just yesterday, it was revealed that Newcastle United had finally upped their interest in three leading targets, with The Telegraph reporting that a triple bid for Joao Pedro, Anthony Elanga and James Trafford had been launched.
In a pursuit worth £125m-plus, it seems Eddie Howe has identified the versatile forward, right winger and young goalkeeper he would like to bring in this summer, opting for Premier League talent with potential to take their games to the next level on Tyneside.
However, with June almost drawing to a close and our pre-season plans set to step up soon, the Newcastle boss will want to see progress made soon.
Howe sets mini transfer deadline
According to The Telegraph, Eddie Howe is pushing the club to make breakthroughs on the transfer front over the next 10 days.
Luke Edwards reports that Howe has ‘made it clear’ to Toon chiefs that he would like to have ‘at least two new signings’ through the door before the start of pre-season training, which is due to kick off on Monday 7th July.
This is thought to be a soft deadline decision makers are working to, with the club conscious of Howe’s preference to get new players in early to ensure they settle into the squad, new surroundings and acclimatise to the way we play ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Hopefully, this will increase our urgency during negotiations for Pedro, Elanga and Trafford, although it is stated in the same report that Newcastle will move on swiftly to other options on our shortlist if compromises can’t be found.
Next week looks to be a key one, with an update from The Times last night revealing that a £50m offer for Pedro and £25m bid for Trafford were unsuccessful, just days after Forest rejected our £45m proposal for Elanga.
Early deals key
For so many reasons, it feels vital that we make at least one or two breakthroughs in the coming week.
Not only does end of June or early July deals allow new players to settle into area, the squad and become accustomed to Howe’s demands, they are far more likely to hit ground running when the new season starts in mid August if they get a full four to five weeks of pre-season with the team.
A big deal or two would also settle down the club and a slightly restless fanbase after three full windows without a major signings.
We also have plenty of work to do, with a goalkeeper, centre-back, right winger and striker all key priorities ahead of our return to the Champions League, so we can’t afford to leave it late and give ourselves too much to do over the end of July and August.
It is obvious that no deals will be done until the 30th June deadline has passed for PSR reasons when the new three year cycle will roll forward a year.
What concerns me is the way we disrespectfully low ball clubs.
IMO we should let it be known that we will come in with a no nonsense first and only offer, then walk away for other targets if necessary.
We do not want another Guehi situation.
Joseph(Quote)
It is frustrating reading the press about how we are all frustrated and restless ..,when everyone is aware we can’t buy anyone until after July 1st., the fact we are having bids and discussions before that date and have a list of alternatives shows the club is doing the right things at the right time..,
Mike(Quote)
I think the only thing I’m frustrated about is that we are still being linked to Pedro and Elanga when there are far better options cheaper abroad.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Howe has been setting these deadlines since he came to the club and not one of them have materialised thus far!
He tries to come across as all authoritative but they never listen to him and he just does what he’s told in the end!
There are all kinds of words doing the rounds at the moment “Black Fatigue”, “White Fatigue” well I have “Newcastle United Fatigue”!
I am sick and tired of the way this club does business as it has you tearing your hair out in frustration!
X.Y,WHY,MAN.(Quote)
Elanga not worth 30M. Don’t waste time
Jordan(Quote)
Simple go and support someone else then Sunderland just down the road
Darren Bebb(Quote)