Newcastle United are more likely to sign somebody on loan in the final hours of the window than on a permanent basis, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

The Magpies have enjoyed a relatively productive first summer under the tutelage of manager Eddie Howe, although have been frustrated in their pursuits of several targets.

What is the latest news involving Newcastle?

So far, Newcastle have spent around £120 million on new recruits in the current market, bringing in a handful of exciting acquisitions to bolster their first-team squad.

Goalkeeper Nick Pope and defenders Sven Botman and Matt Targett arrived early on as Howe prioritised strengthening his backline for the current campaign.

However, attacking reinforcements proved far more difficult to come by, with the likes of Hugo Ekitike and James Maddison evading Newcastle’s grasp despite big-money bids being placed.

But the North East outfit’s persistence eventually paid off when Alexander Isak arrived from Real Sociedad last week in a club-record deal.

The Sweden international’s transfer may have left Howe with little room to manoeuvre in the final hours of the window, though, potentially forcing the tactician to focus on temporary moves.

What has Downie said about Newcastle?

Downie has informed GiveMeSport that if Newcastle are to pull off any last-minute deals, then it’s probable they will be on loan, although he did also state that a permanent move can not be ‘ruled out’.

In an interview with GMS, he said: “The information I've got is that a loan would be the most likely option.

“However, a permanent deal would not be ruled out if it was something that the club could not turn down. If it was a good financial deal for them, they could still do the deal.”

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Who could Newcastle sign?

Downie himself has revealed that ‘Newcastle are in talks’ with West Ham over defender Harrison Ashby.

Howe is in need of cover and competition at right-back for Kieran Trippier after Emil Krafth was ruled out for up to nine months with an ACL injury.

Ashby is a Scotland Under-21 international and only has one-year remaining on his current contract at the London Stadium, meaning he could be available for a minimal fee.

It remains to be seen if Newcastle can get this deal over the line, but it could prove to be an astute acquisition in years to come if Howe can pull this one off.