Luke Edwards "told" frustrating Newcastle transfer update, Howe surely livid - opinion

A frustrating Newcastle United transfer claim has been made regarding their efforts to bring in new recruits… 

Telegraph reporter Luke Edwards has provided fresh updates on the club’s pursuits of Mohammed Salisu and Mitchel Bakker as the Magpies look to strengthen their squad before the deadline next week.

Edwards tweeted: “#nufc have looked at Salisu at Southampton but was told last week that “it’s not going to be possible…”

He then followed that up with: “Also told the Bakker deal is not happening too #nufc.”

This comes after Newcastle reportedly agreed a deal with Bayer Leverkusen to sign the Dutch international left-back, with it now appearing as though the move has collapsed.

Eddie Howe will surely be left livid by these two claims, as it appears as though he is set to miss out on two targets this week.

It will be particularly frustrating for the Newcastle manager as his backline is in dire need of reinforcements before the window slams shut next Monday. Only Norwich have conceded more goals than the Magpies in the Premier League, and they have played a game more in the division.

Howe’s side have kept just two clean sheets so far this season, both coming in 1-0 wins, and have let in two goals per game on average.

This emphasises how below-par the defence has been and why it is imperative that the club bring in additional signings to bolster that area of the pitch, joining mid-season recruit Kieran Trippier in the back four.

Salisu has enjoyed a fine campaign with Southampton in the top flight, averaging a SofaScore rating of 7.01. He has made an incredible five tackles and interceptions per game, along with 4.4 clearances, and has won 61% of his duels, as per SofaScore.

Meanwhile, Bakker has made 2.3 tackles and