NEWCASTLE boss Eddie Howe has insisted “doing nothing” would be better than doing the wrong thing in what remains of the summer transfer window.

The Magpies have spent the last few weeks desperately trying to capture Crystal Palace’s England defender Marc Guehi after a summer during which they have not yet landed a marquee signing.

Newcastle have tabled several offers for Guehi but Palace have not yet budged on their new captain and, as things stand, an agreement ahead of tonight's deadline is unlikely.

Asked if nobody coming in on deadline day was a possibility, head coach Howe replied: “Yes, it is.

“There’s such a short time left, it is looking difficult. This window, as I’ve said many times, has been difficult and it continues to be difficult for us.

“We’re in a really difficult situation with the PSR situation and available funds, attracting the right players and the players that we think can make a difference. It’s such a delicate spot for us.

“We’ve got to try to hit it right and if we don’t, then probably doing nothing, as frustrating as that is, is probably the best option.”

Howe wouldn't be drawn on discussing Guehi specifically, but said: "Without going into the individual situation here, we've tried to sign several players.

"It's never been about one player. It can never be about one player, because as soon as you're in that position, then your negotiation strength is over.

"So, no, we've tried for several targets, but it still has to be the right player though. And there isn't an unlimited number of players. It's not like you can, well, we'll just go on to the next one, the next one, the next one. Because then the quality dilutes and then you have to question whether you're doing the right thing for the long-term future of the club.

"There isn't a bottomless pit of money. We're not able to spend that way. Everything that we do has a long-term consequence. So you've got to be very sure whatever you do is right for the long-term future and short-term future of the club.”