Newcastle Have Been "Close With" Unnamed Transfer Targets, McClaren Insists

Newcastle United head coach Steve McClaren insists that a significant portion of the club's transfer dealings remain under the radar - and that there are a "lot of names that people have not got hold of yet" who the Magpies "have been close" to acquiring. With just under £35 million already spent on Georginio Wijnaldum, Aleksandar Mitrovic and the soon-to-be-confirmed Chancel Mbemba this summer, the Magpies are still targeting at least another three recruits in the coming weeks. And although more than 100 players have been linked with a move to Tyneside this summer, McClaren is adamant that the club are pursuing some "names" who have slipped completely under the radar. In quotes carried by The Chronicle, McClaren said of Newcastle's on-going recruitment process:

"We're forever working. People are mentioning this and that (but) believe you and me, we have a lot of names that people have not got hold of yet. We have been close with them. "At the moment we have two in and I am sure we are looking for others. But as I say they have to be the right ones."

So who are these mystery names? There has been talk of Newcastle trying to make further waves into both the French and Dutch markets, but nothing concrete appears to have emerged from either of those avenues yet. Also, another centre-back remains a priority even after Mbemba's arrival, so could it potentially be a defender who has yet to catch the media's gaze? Who knows - but it will be interesting to see as the summer window nears its completion whether or not McClaren's public mutterings do see Newcastle produce a joker card in their transfer dealings. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.