Howe issues transfer update as BBC Newcastle ask if any deals are "close"

Yesterday Eddie Howe sat down with the media at Newcastle’s preseason training camp and, depending on who you listen to, either caused quite a stir or didn’t really say much of anything.

Today has brought more direct quotes from the gaffer, with him highlighting the clubs need to strengthen the squad because of a ‘hangover’ from last year’s pernicious injury issues. Eddie told Sky Sports:

“We hope to add (players), definitely. We have recruited four players, but of course two of them are goalkeepers. We have quite a bit to do on the outfield side of our squad.

“We have a hangover of injuries from last year with players still not fully training yet, we are still in the process of working things out because there’s been a change with Paul Mitchell coming in as Sporting Director.”

When asked if any incoming signings were imminent by BBC Newcastle's Matthew Raisbeck, Eddie Howe simply said: “No, nothing is close.” So, it seems there is plenty of work to be done and a lot to get sorted before we fly to Japan a week tomorrow.

The boss clearly stating what Newcastle fans across the world know, and that’s the simple objective fact that to achieve our goals this coming season, we are in need of at least a right-sided centre-back and starting right winger.

This morning also brought news that Callum Wilson is injured yet again, so backup for our Swedish sensation Alexander Isak (who has also struggled with injuries during his time on Tyneside) is of critical importance too.

The new Premier League season kicks off in four weeks’ time – let’s hope essential new outfield signings are over the line by then.