Eddie Howe provides Newcastle United transfer update from Saudi Arabia

Eddie Howe hopes Newcastle United will make a “couple more” new signings before Monday’s January transfer deadline.

Howe, his backroom staff and playing squad are currently enjoying a warm-weather training camp in Saudi Arabia following the 1-0 win at Leeds United.

The Magpies round off their trip with a behind-closed-doors friendly against Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Ittihad on Friday before flying back the next day.

Co-owner Amanda Staveley is in Jeddah with the squad, while her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi remains in England to help assist the club’s transfer business.

Staveley, alongside Howe and his assistant Jason Tindall, as well chief scout Steve Nickson, are working tirelessly around the clock to secure new arrivals.

Howe did not comment on the recent speculation, including interest in Lyon midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, though confirmed his desire for a busy end to the month.

‘We hope we can get a couple more additions’

“A lot of hard work is being done back in England,” Howe told NUFCTV.

“I’ve got no news to tell everybody at the moment but I’m keeping regularly updated but as we know it’s a difficult window and we just hope we can get a couple more additions to boost the squad.”

What positions are Newcastle targeting?

The number one priority remains a central defender but United have found this to be a thankless task.

Lille refused to sell top target Sven Botman, while signing Diego Carlos has proved extremely difficult with Sevilla not afraid to move the goalposts.

A central midfielder is also on the transfer agenda, with Brazil international Guimaraes heavily-linked.

Newcastle tried to sign Jesse Lingard but Manchester United are demanding a ridiculously high loan fee.

Opposition clubs are trying to take advantage of the club’s new-found wealth, but the Magpies rightly aren’t biting.

With four days of the transfer window remaining, United are set to be busy.