The club has reportedly had a £40million bid for the attacking midfielder rejected by Leicester City. And Howe was asked if he could say anything about Newcastle’s interest in Maddison after this afternoon’s 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao at St James’s Park.
Asked if he was hopeful of signing a player before next weekend’s Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest, Howe said: “We’re trying. We’d love to add to the squad before Saturday’s game, but there’s no guarantee.”
Newcastle have signed three players – Sven Botman, Nick Pope and Matt Targett – so far this summer at a cost of around £60million.
Meanwhile, Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin were on target against Athletic.
The game followed a 1-0 win over Atalanta on Friday, and Howe said: “The last two games have been brilliant exercises for us. Two top teams, two different XIs, so a big test for our squad. Two games, and two positive results and performances.”
Check out the latest Premier League transfer speculation below...
1. Everton in Gueye talks
Everton are in talks over the “final formula” to re-sign midfielder Idrissa Gueye from PSG. (Fabrizio Romano)
2. Crystal Palace keen on Loftus-Cheek reunion
Crystal Palace are set to make a shock move to sign Ruben Loftus-Cheek for a second time on loan. (The Sun)
3. Fulham table four defender bids
Fulham have offers on the table for four central defenders - including West Ham’s Issa Diop and Chelsea’s Malang Sarr. (Dharmesh Sheth)
4. Toon make Knauff approach
Newcastle United have ‘knocked on the door’ to sign Borussia Dortmund winger Ansgar Knauff, who is valued at around £8.4m. (Sport1)