EDDIE HOWE remains hopeful Newcastle United will make another signing ahead of their Premier League opener with Nottingham Forest in seven days’ time.

But the Magpies manager has refused to directly discuss the Magpies’ failed bid for Leicester City midfielder James Maddison.

Newcastle completed their pre-season programme with a 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao at St James’ Park this afternoon, with the victory coming a few hours after news broke of the club’s unsuccessful attempt to sign Maddison.

Leicester have rejected an offer of around £40m for the England international, but Howe opted not to address the situation as he spoke to the media after today’s win.

When asked what the current situation with Maddison is, Howe said: “There’s nothing I can say.”

The head coach did, however, confirm that he and the rest of Newcastle’s recruitment team are working on potential deals in the hope of having at least one new player in place by the time Nottingham Forest visit Tyneside for the opening game of the season next Saturday.

The Magpies have made three signings so far this summer, bringing in Nick Pope, Matt Targett and Sven Botman, but Howe remains keen to recruit two more attacking players before the transfer window closes at the start of September.

He said: “We’re trying (to make a breakthrough). We’d love to add to the squad before Saturday’s game, but there’s no guarantee on that.”