EDDIE Howe has again stressed the importance of not losing any players in the final hours of the transfer window amid talk of a late Fulham move for Miguel Almiron.

Howe remains desperate to bolster his squad, with Newcastle still locked in negotiations with Crystal Palace over leading defensive target Marc Guehi.

But Newcastle's head coach has also warned of the need to be "very careful" before sanctioning any exits, with Howe already of the belief that his squad lacks depth.

Almiron was the subject of transfer interest from Saudi earlier in the summer but at that stage Howe told of his wish to keep the South American. That looked set to be the case before Fulham's interest emerged on Wednesday, just hours before Almiron played for the Magpies in the Carabao Cup second round victory at Nottingham Forest.

Asked for an update on Almiron's situation and whether he could leave, Howe said: "I honestly have no idea. I certainly wouldn't wan to be losing too many players without replacing them, if any.

"Our squad isn't as deep as people would expect so we have to be very careful before letting players go."

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Newcastle now have less than 48 hours to bolster their squad but Howe said he hadn't learnt of any transfer developments on Wednesday night. He confirmed on Tuesday that the Magpies wouldn't be able to sign both a centre-half and a right winger this week, two positions that were identified as priorities earlier in the summer.

"I have no update. I know nothing from today, I've been concentrating on the game and I'll find out what's happening afterwards."

Summer signing Odysseas Vlachodimos was again absent at the City Ground, with the Greek keeper having not yet featured in a squad for a competitive game since his arrival.

Asked about his future, Howe said: "He's fighting for a place."