Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has played down reports that the Magpies are looking to finalise a deal for PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko ahead of the January transfer window.

had suggested that an agreement with the player over personal terms was “very close” but Howe says that is not the case:

“That’s not the reality (that a deal for Bakayoko is close). We’re not close to sealing any transfer or closing in on any player. For me, It’s been very, very loose discussions.”