Newcastle: Keith Downie drops transfer update at St James' Park

Newcastle United only have £20 million to spend outright on an attacking recruit in the final stages of the summer transfer window, with hefty add-ons likely to be included in any deals above that amount, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

Eddie Howe has overseen a steady start to the Premier League season at St James’ Park, following a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest with a 0-0 draw against Brighton, but he could still strengthen further ahead of the September 1 deadline.

Three deals have been struck by the Magpies this summer with Sven Botman, Nick Pope and Matt Targett all penning permanent deals.

The focus has now seemingly turned to bolstering their attacking options. Watford have rejected a £20 million offer for striker Joao Pedro although a second bid is set to be submitted.

Meanwhile, four Chelsea stars have been targeted too, according to The Telegraph, with Christian Pulisic, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Armando Broja and Conor Gallagher all well-liked.

The Sun have also reported that Gallagher has become Newcastle’s number one target for the remainder of the window, with Chelsea valuing the 22-year-old at £40 million.

Leicester City’s James Maddison was previously a top target too, only for two bids of up to £50 million to be rejected.

The Sky Sports reporter understands that, if Newcastle are to sign any more players permanently this summer, they will only be able to offer a £20 million down payment.

He says that any remaining money in the deals will be made up by extra add-ons.

Downie told GIVEMESPORT: “My understanding is that they’ve probably got around about £20 million as a down payment to spend. Then if they wanted to go beyond that they could structure a deal with add-ons. I think with the Maddison