Steve Bruce’s squad is looking decidedly thin in places, but the Magpies haven’t been able to bring in any eye-catching additions to reinforce their ranks so far.
According to the manager, however, it’s not for the want of trying.
He said: “It's not easy, it's what I've got to do."
Asked if he had been told he couldn’t sign anyone, the boss said: "No, no, no. We carry on as best we can."
Joe Willock – who had a successful half-season stint at Newcastle from Arsenal – is the club’s primary summer transfer target, and there have been discussions between the two clubs over another loan.
United had been hoping to get a deal done for the 21-year-old midfielder before Mikel Arteta’s squad leave the country this week for a pre-season tournament in the USA, but Bruce has suggested that Arsenal are yet to make a decision on his future.
"Nothing's really changed on that,” said Bruce. “I knew from the end of last season that Arsenal would gather him in, see what they get in themselves, judge him on pre-season, whatever.
"It's Arsenal's call, really. We've got to be patient, I understand, but, obviously, there comes a time when we've got to make a decision for us. We're very, very short in the middle of the park at the minute. Very, very short. It's something we need to address."
We’ve gathered the best of today’s Premier League transfer speculation below…

. LEEDS, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: A general view of the white and blue Nike Flight match ball prior to the Premier League match between Leeds United and Southampton at Elland Road on February 23, 2021 in Leeds, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Mike Egerton - Pool/Getty Images)
Premier League match ball. (Photo by Mike Egerton - Pool/Getty Images) Photo: Pool

. White set for medical
Brighton defender Ben White is due to have a medical with Arsenal ahead of a transfer next week. (Sky Sports) (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) Photo: Catherine Ivill

1. White set for medical
Brighton defender Ben White is due to have a medical with Arsenal ahead of a transfer next week. (Sky Sports) (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) Photo: Catherine Ivill

2. Toon join Phillips race
Newcastle are in the hunt to sign Liverpool centre-back Nat Phillips. Burnley and Brighton are also interested. (Sky Sports) (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) Photo: Michael Regan

3. Albion step up Edouard pursuit
Brighton are poised to step up their £20 million pursuit of Odsonne Edouard, but face competition from rivals Crystal Palace. (Daily Mail) (Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images) Photo: Steve Welsh

4. Peacock-Farrell price set
It will cost Sheffield Wednesday £300,000 if they want to bring in Bailey Peacock-Farrell on loan for the season from Burnley. (The Sun) (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Livesey