Eddie Howe provides Newcastle United transfer update as Jesse Lingard and Mitchel Bakker talk continues

Eddie Howe says Newcastle United are ‘not close’ to completing any further January transfers despite rumours of deals progressing.

Reports in the national press suggest United are closing in on a deal for Bayer Leverkusen left-back Mitchel Bakker, while a renewed effort for Jesse Lingard in the final week of the window is inevitable.

However, Howe made it clear nothing is imminent on the transfer front for the Magpies.

‘We will be active right until the last day’

He said: “As far as I know I don't think we are close to anything now.

“It might help us in the market (the win). We will be active right until the last day. We want to improve the squad, even more so after the three injuries we've suffered.

“I've spoken to everyone behind the scenes. We are working, and we will let you know when we have some news.”

United are stuck in a transfer tug of war in relation to Lingard, but all is not lost on that front.

While Manchester United want to sell, rather than loan the player, and the player would like to keep his options open ahead of a Bosman move in the summer, Newcastle are keen to broker any deal for a player they think can help drive them free of relegation troubles this season.

It is not impossible that deal is rekindled in the final few days of the window, as the Magpies chase a number of targets in a number of positions.

‘We back the players we have here’

“I have always said from day one that I back the players that we have, regardless of who we recruit,” said Howe.

“I think you saw the power of recruitment. Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood - I thought they were magnificent for the team.

“That's the power. Get it right, you can elevate the team to greater heights. We are still looking to do that, but we back the players that we have here.”