Newcastle boss Alan Pardew says there is a chance that a left-back could sign before the weekend.
Newcastle boss says a left-back could be signed before Saturday
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew says there is still a chance that a left-back could sign before this weekend's derby with Sunderland, while talks are still ongoing over a move for Sochaux forward Modibo Maiga.
The Magpies are looking to replace Jose Enrique who has joined Liverpool.
Ryan Taylor filled the void last weekend against Arsenal but he is naturally a right-sided defender.
Left-back
They have been linked with PSV Eindhoven's Erik Pieters, Aly Cissokho of Lyon and Manchester City's Wayne Bridge.
Pardew said: "Everybody knows we need a left-back and it's being made difficult, not by us, but by other clubs and we have to get over that.
"It could be that something gets done before the game, but I don't think I would include him even if it did because this game is a game you need to know about and you need to be prepared for."
Striker
The Toon are also struggling to acquire a striker. One of their targets, Sochaux frontman Maiga, is currently on strike to unlock a move away from his club.
Pardew said: "There's a lot of stuff coming out about him being on strike and we can't condone that.
"But in terms of us, we have put a bid in for the player and he is a player that we want to bring to the club.
"That's where that is and negotiations are still ongoing."
