Newcastle United's manager Eddie Howe has made it clear that the club will not be drawn into paying "ridiculous prices" for players, following what could be their final bid for Marc Guehi.
Howe indicated that if progress isn't made in the coming days, Newcastle may pull out of the deal for Guehi. The Magpies have tabled a new £65million offer for the England centre-back, but Howe suggested this might be their last attempt.
When questioned about the possibility of Newcastle walking away from the deal, Howe said: "We have done (walked away) many times especially early on when there was very much a Newcastle tax. When we would turn up the price would double.
"Many times we would not go down that road where we are overpaying for players. I think it has changed slightly because people have seen our dynamic and we aren't going to pay silly fees for players."
Given Crystal Palace's public comments on Newcastle's recruitment activities this week, it's clear that Guehi is a target for United. However, Howe stated that there's nothing unusual about wanting to sign top-tier players. Speaking at his pre-match press conference before the game against Southampton, Howe added: "Everyone is looking for the best players. From our perspective, we've got a very good squad.
"So to sign players and make the squad better, it's difficult. But it's achievable - we can do it.
"But we don't want to makes a signing and three months down the line think 'it hasn't kicked us on' and you're just adding numbers. The players who can take the team on is what we're looking for."
Howe has insisted he is not disappointed that Miguel Almiron seems to be staying put. Speaking about the Paraguayan forward, Howe said: "There's been a lot of speculation with Miggy over the summer and I'm sure that has been very difficult for him. A lot of speculation when he was away playing with his country.
"He's a very valued member of the squad. I'm sure that speculation would have been difficult to mange.
H"e's very much with us, we value his qualities and what he brings - and I hope he has a great season."
The Magpies boss is hoping for a strong start to the season against Southampton. But Howe is under no illusions about the task facing his side. He said:"Russell has done a great job and I have always admired his style of play from Swansea to Southampton.
"He is very clever and astute. All of those things add up to a complex game for us and this will be a difficult game.
"Southampton are different and we need to be ready for that challenge, there is no guarantee and we have to deliver a strong performance."
