'Hopefully' - Eddie Howe transfer update as Newcastle United agree £15m deal - more talks held

The Magpies are understood to have agreed a £10million plus £5m add-ons deal to sign Sheffield United striker William Osula, while talks have taken place with Crystal Palace over signing centre-back Marc Guehi.

But when asked about those two players, Howe, in typical fashion, refused to give anything away.

“Our efforts in the transfer market are ongoing,” said United’s head coach. “I’m out of touch with all of those movements but I know we are trying. Hopefully we can bring you news soon. I’m not going to talk individually on deals.”

Howe and his players fly back to England on Sunday after spending a week in Tokyo. They beat Urawa Red Diamonds 4-1 on Wednesday at the Saitama Stadium but couldn’t repeat that feat against Yokohama Red Diamonds today, losing 2-0 at a hot and humid Japan National Stadium.

Osula is expected to be announced as United’s fifth senior summer signing next week after John Ruddy, Odysseas Vlachodimos, Lloyd Kelly and Lewis Hall, whose loan from Chelsea was made permanent for an initial £28m.

However, there is still some way to go in their bid to sign Guehi. Palace reportedly want at least £65m for the England defender. A number high profile clubs are also interested in him.

Konnichiwa! Newcastle United are in Japan - and so too are NewcastleWorld!

Our Newcastle United writer Jordan Cronin is there all week, providing coverage of the tour, behind the scenes video and analysis from Tokyo. 

And we’re proud to announce that our Newcastle United coverage of the tour has a sponsor! Every story from Japan is sponsored by Mobility Care Solutions Ltd, with the shop’s official mascot Murphy!

Eddie Howe's men take on Urawa Red Diamonds at the Saitama Stadium on Wednesday, July 31. They then face J.League runners-up Yokohama F. Marinos on Saturday, August 3.

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