Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe was coy when asked about a deal being struck for Watford striker Joao Pedro.

It has been claimed a deal had been struck with Watford for Pedro but while Howe did not deny interest in the striker, he stated he was waiting for the green light on the deal.

Howe, speaking at his press conference ahead of the trip to Carabao Cup opponents Tranmere Rovers, said: "I think that (news it was done last night) is not entirely accurate. But I am not dealing with these things minute to minute or day by day.

"I'm sort of in the background hearing what's happening but I don't think that was correct."

When asked if he was still expecting to be active, Howe said: "Yes, we've got to."