Newcastle have made two signings this month, but they reportedly want three before they face Watford.
The Magpies take on the Hornets in a huge relegation six-pointer on Saturday – it’s a must-win game for Eddie Howe.
The pressure is on after the humiliating FA Cup exit to Cambridge United, where Newcastle lost 1-0 to the League One side.
After the defeat, it was reported that the Toon owners want a striker and a centre-back before our next game.
RONALDO NEEDS TO STOP WHINING.
We’ve secured a forward, signing Chris Wood from Burnley for £25million. However, the defender pursuit is proving to be a lot tougher.
Newcastle yet to secure pivotal centre-back signing
It hasn’t been for lack of trying. Despite the club’s best efforts, Lille do not want to sell Sven Botman this month.
There has also been talk of Benoit Badiashile arriving, but even if he did he wouldn’t feature against Watford. The Monaco youngster picked up an injury on Sunday against Nantes that could rule him out for six weeks.
The other main target appears to be Sevilla’s Diego Carlos. We had a bid rejected for the Brazilian last week, but now a fresh move has been made.
According to the Telegraph’s Jason Burt, Newcastle made a new bid for the 28-year-old on Wednesday.
Carlos would be a wonderful signing by the Magpies. He’s been really impressive in La Liga, where he’s helping Sevilla challenge for the title. That makes this move by Amanda Staveley and co rather ambitious.
Regardless of who Newcastle want, we’re running out of time to get someone in before Watford.
New players must be registered by midday on Friday to be eligible to play on Saturday. That means Newcastle have less than 24 hours to sign a centre-back. And even if someone does arrive, he’ll only get a single training session with his new teammates – or possibly not even train at all.
It’s looking like Howe will just have to go with what he’s got against Claudio Ranieri’s side. That will disappoint him, as our defensive woes are clear for all to see. It’s hindered us all season, and Howe is yet to find a solution with the current options available.
But for the Watford game, getting a striker in was more important. Getting someone like Wood was pivotal, and the owners have done exactly that.