Eddie Howe wouldn't be drawn on rumours around Newcastle signing Mark Guehi

Friday brought news that Newcastle United had entered talks with Crystal Palace over a possible move for England defender Marc Guehi.

It was finally a bit of transfer news that got Newcastle fans excited after an extremely frustrating summer so far.

Newcastle had been heavily reported to have been chasing AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw and every time Newcastle looked like they were getting close to making a deal for the 22-year-old, a report would surface saying that no bid had been made and a move was miles away.

Then, in true Newcastle United fashion, a name came out of the blue after weeks without a mention and it looked like the Magpies were gearing up to spend big to bring in Guehi. It looked like we had been done again by the bait and switch.

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Eddie Howe is hoping for a new signing soon

Speaking to the media after Newcastle's 2-0 defeat to Yokohama F. Marinos on Saturday, Eddie Howe was asked directly about the Marc Guehi stories.

As ever, though, Teflon Eddie deflected the question and refused to speak about individuals, but did say that things are moving (h/t NUFCblog).

“Our efforts in the transfer market are ongoing. I’m out of touch with all of those movements but I know we are trying. Hopefully we can bring you news soon. I’m not going to talk individually on deals.”

Tick tock, Mitchell

With just two weeks until the Premier League gets underway, Newcastle really need to get a move on in the transfer market.

It's looking very likely that we're going to be lumped with players who are given no time to settle before they are thrown into the team which is less than ideal.

However, far better that than not bringing anyone in at all and the performances of some of our players today really emphasised that point.