Newcastle United have opened talks with Benfica on 23-year-old full-back Amar Dedic, and Matthias Jaissle has hinted there will be more additions before the window slams shut.
Dedic fits the bill
The full-back fits the bill for United and plays on both sides, working with Jaissle at Red Bull Salzburg earlier in his career. Jaissle needs a full-back, a midfielder and another forward, but may also need a third-choice goalkeeper.
Jaissle on squad adjustments
Speaking at his opening press conference, Jaissle said: "We are totally aware internally which positions we might need to strengthen the squad. But this is nothing for here, for the press conference. We believe in the players that we have now. And we had a chat after the match in Valencia where you were really happy that the young lads getting the chance, so that's also the approach from this club. Every minute they're getting, then they can grow. Like I said in my first statement, there will be adjustments in the squad. We still have time."
Transitional period as a chance
When asked if he believes that the transitional period gives him extra time to rebuild the squad in the first half of the season, Jaissle said: "If you see that as a chance, we will do that. Then yes. Of course, I would have loved to start from the beginning, been involved in all signings, been here from the first day, but it's something we cannot influence. Now we need to use every change, every day in the best possible way to adapt and improve. This is a collective task, it's not only me, it's the whole staff, the whole club, I would say. If we are all thriving in the same direction, it's going to be successful."
No promises on goals
When asked what the goal is at St James' Park in his first season, Jaissle said: "I'm long enough now in the industry that you cannot promise anything, it makes no sense to promise you things now because I don't know how things look in half a year or in one year. What we can control, we will control. That's what I've described. Cutting things down, the tasks, on a daily basis, doing the best job, and then we go in the right direction. And that's going to be successful."
