Eddie Howe's hoping for a transfer breakthrough at Newcastle United - amid talks over a big-money move for Marc Guehi.
The club has made an approach to Crystal Palace over a move for the England defender, who could command a fee of more than £60million.
Howe was asked about the move - and a potential deal for Sheffield United forward William Osula - after his team was beaten 2-0 by Yokohama F Marinos in Japan today.
'Our efforts in the transfer market are ongoing,' said United's head coach. 'I'm out of touch with all of those movements.
'I know we're trying. Hopefully, we can bring you news soon. I'm not going to talk about individual deals.'
Eddie Howe's (pictured on the right) hoping for a transfer breakthrough at Newcastle United - amid talks over a big-money move for Marc Guehi (pictured on the left)
Howe was asked about the move - and a potential deal for Sheffield United forward William Osula - after his team was beaten 2-0 by Yokohama F Marinos (above) in Japan today
Alexander Isak (pictured above) caused some early problems for the home team with a series of runs in behind their defence
Guehi, signed from Chelsea in 2021, starred in Euro 2024, and the 24-year-old only missed the quarter-final against Switzerland on England's run to the final through suspension.
And Newcastle are likely to face competition for Guehi from a number of Premier League clubs.
Osula, 20, would cost £10million with up to £5million in add-ons.
Howe - who signed centre-back Lloyd Kelly as a free agent following the expiry of his Bournemouth contract - is without defenders Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles until late this year after the pair suffered ACL injuries playing for Newcastle late last season.
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Vlachodimos (Pope, 46), Livramento (Ashby, 46), Schar (Krafth, 46), Kelly (Burn, 46), Hall (Lewis, 65); Longstaff, Joelinton (Harrison, 64), Guimaraes (J Murphy, 46); Almiron, Barnes (Sanusi, 46, Turner-Cooke, 88), Isak (Parkinson, 46). Subs: Ruddy, J Miley, Heffernan.
Kelly made his Newcastle debut on another hot and humid night in Tokyo, while Bruno Guimaraes, a gold medal winner with Brazil's football team at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo three years ago, captained the team on what was his first appearance of the season.
On Kelly, Howe said: 'I thought he did well. Composed debut. I was pleased for him. I was pleased with certain aspects.
'Certain individuals did very well, but team-wise today, I thought we were off where we have been.'
Alexander Isak caused some early problems for the home team with a series of runs in behind their defence, but Yokohama would open the scoring through a 33rd-minute strike from Elber, and United faded after going behind.
Howe made seven changes at the break, and Isak - who had needed treatment after suffering a shoulder knock early in the game - was among those to be taken off at the cavernous National Stadium.
Substitute Nick Pope was beaten by a low shot from Jun Amano.
'Good test for us, difficult game,' said Howe. 'Very good opposition.
Kelly made his Newcastle debut on another hot and humid night in Tokyo, while Bruno Guimaraes captained the team
'I thought we started brightly, and then faded after we conceded. So lots of stuff to work on and improve. Overall, disappointed with the result, of course, but pleased that we've come through with no injuries.'
Howe added that Isak had been 'scheduled' to come off after 45 minutes.
'That was scheduled for him,' said Howe. 'Of course he went over on his shoulder early in the game. It was sore, but he was fine to carry on. We don't envisage any problems, but, of course, we need to check out the mechanism and how his shoulder is, but I think he looks OK.'