New Newcastle striker signings soon hopes Howe

NEWCASTLE: Eddie Howe has revealed he is hopeful Newcastle United are close to a breakthrough in their summer-long forward pursuit.

The Magpies are deep into the final fortnight of the summer transfer window having only added three senior players to their ranks, in the shape of Nick Pope, Matt Targett and Sven Botman.

However, they have been looking to bring in at least two forward players to compete with the likes of Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin in the final third.

And Howe, speaking in the aftermath of his side’s exhilarating 3-3 home draw with defending Premier League champions Manchester City, is hoping a deal can be done this week, with Watford’s Brazilian youngster Joao Pedro lined up to arrive.

When asked about incomings, Howe said: “I hope so.”

Which marks a change in message from his recent “no news” mantra.

“As I sit here now there is no guarantee in that, so I can’t give you any certainty. But we do hope to add to the squad.”

On Sunday on Tyneside, Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring for Pep Guardiola’s men before three United strikers, unanswered, turned the game on its head.

First Miguel Almiron bundled in a leveler after some Allan Saint-Maximin magic before Callum Wilson tucked home after yet more wing wizardry from United’s Gallic number 10. Skipper Kieran Trippier then curled expertly past Ederson to make it 3-1, before City turned on their class.

Erling Haaland reduced the arrears with a close-range volley before a sumptuous Kevin De Bruyne through ball put an equalizer on a plate for Bernardo Silva to ensure honors remained even at St James’ Park.

Howe admits he was delighted with every one of his players, but reserved particular praise for Saint-Maximin, who played an instrumental