Barcelona forward Ferran Torres is now seriously considering a move before the transfer deadline amid interest from Newcastle United, according to reports.
The Magpies have made five signings so far this summer with Lewis Hall, Odysseas Vlachodimos, Will Osula, Lloyd Kelly and John Ruddy all completing moves to St James’ Park, while Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh are the two players who have left the club for fees over the summer.
Eddie Howe said on Tuesday that he was still “hopeful” of making new additions to their squad with rumours of interest in Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi.
There are also rumours that they want to sign a winger before the deadline but Howe poured cold water on the potential for Newcastle to do deals for two players.
On whether they could sign both a centre-back and right-sided forward before the end of Friday, Howe replied: “Probably not, no.”
When asked which position he would rather strengthen, Howe added: “I can understand the question, but there is always a level of respect that needs to be shown to your existing members in your squad.
“I respect every player we have in every position. That is not for me to answer. We are trying to strengthen the group and make the right decisions and bring the right players in.”
Howe added: “From my side, when you go into the window you have an idea of what is going to happen and the parameters you are working in. There was always every chance this was going to be a difficult one for us. A difficult one to navigate for a host of reasons.
“So I’m not totally surprised. I think, when you’re in my shoes, you want the squad together as early as possible so you can mould the squad and get used to personalities coming in.
