The Eddie Howe decision that has been worrying Paul Mitchell behind the scenes at Newcastle United

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Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell began their working relationship at Newcastle United this summer, but it has not been a perfect start.

The Magpies look set to end the summer transfer window with no major signings, with Newcastle pulling out of the Marc Guehi deal on Thursday.

Eddie Howe has now admitted it will be difficult for Newcastle to make new signings, with the transfer window set to close at 11pm.

Time is running out for Newcastle to bring in reinforcements, and it now looks very likely that Howe’s squad will not be improved.

That is a big concern, especially given how much time the club spent trying to agree a deal for Marc Guehi.

He was the top target, and Newcastle even offered £70million for Guehi. However, it was not enough for Crystal Palace to say yes, while it does not look like there is an alternative solution waiting in the wings.

Lack of alternatives concerned Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell

As the 11pm deadline looms, Newcastle’s only hope is that Crystal Palace have a change of heart and decide to sell Guehi. However, that seems extremely unlikely.

Interestingly, the Daily Mail have provided an update on the mood behind the scenes at Newcastle United, with details of concern from Paul Mitchell.

According to the Daily Mail, Eddie Howe told the club that he sees Guehi as the centre-back target that can improve his starting XI, with other options unavailable.

The Daily Mail add that sporting director Paul Mitchell had ‘misgivings’ over this approach, and wanted more targets to pursue.

Mitchell set to fall short during first transfer window with Newcastle

Despite his concerns, Mitchell had set about trying to give Eddie Howe what he wanted. He has been trying to bring Marc Guehi to Newcastle United, but has been unable to strike a deal.

Newcastle had hoped that Guehi would try and force the move through, but that did not happen.

Instead, it looks like a centre-back will not arrive at St James’ Park.

That will be seen as failure for Mitchell, who has been unable to enhance Eddie Howe’s squad during his first transfer window as the club’s sporting director.

It perhaps shines a light on the challenging situation behind the scenes at the club. After all, Mitchell did not arrive until July, when Newcastle already had transfer plans in place and were trying to make moves.

Overall, the transfer window has been a mess, and it does not reflect well on those in power at St James’ Park.