Transfer news: Updates, Mbeumo latest plus Phil McNulty Q&A

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer

Image source, Getty Images

Laura: Total lack of transfer activity from the Toon? I
understand the gravitational pull of London for many players, but surely
Newcastle are an attractive prospect? Great young manager, ambitious club,
loyal (and fanatical) fanbase, money to spend. I don’t understand why several
of the players we have been linked with would rather sit on a bench at Chelsea
than be idolised at St James’? Is there anything in the pipeline I can get
excited about?

Afternoon, Laura. Newcastle United should be (and are) a very
attractive option, especially with Champions League football, but the market
for the players they want is very competitive. They need people who will
improve, and provide quality back-up, for a squad that did so well last season.
They are not easy to find – and when you do find them, your rivals will also
want them.

Eddie Howe said at the end of the season he wanted business done
quickly, but those on the list have yet to arrive.

Newcastle wanted Liam Delap but he chose Chelsea. I fully take
your point about sitting on the bench at Chelsea, but maybe Delap feared the
presence of Alexander Isak might reduce his number of appearances.

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is now attracting interest from
Liverpool. Newcastle are willing to spend big on Brighton’s Joao Pedro, but
Chelsea might also be hovering there. Burnley keeper James Trafford is a
long-time target but Burnley are understood to want £40m, while Matheus Cunha
has gone to Manchester United and it looks like Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo will
follow him.

Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga is admired to fill the
right-flank slot but that will not be an easy deal to do.

I’m sure players will come in, but the sooner the better as far as
Howe is concerned.

Sorry for that pessimistic list but there is still plenty to be
excited about. Still lots of time to work in the market, Champions League
football on the agenda and an outstanding manager in Howe, who will be pressing
for those reinforcements.