Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admits the summer market has been a slog.
Howe remains upbeat though and expects business to get done sooner rather than later with over a month of the window remaining.
When asked if the next transfer deal would be the hardest, Howe told reporters: "You are trying to lead me with your question, but it is a good question.
"We are now going into an area where we are still looking. We want to improve the squad. We are really pleased with what we have done but we know we have got more to do. But it has got to be the right one, in the right position. So it is not simple."
He also said: "The ideal is to have all of your signings in before the start of pre-season. The reality is, particularly because of the length of the window, that was never going to happen.
"So to have three players in, and they've all settled really well, I am delighted. They have all settled in well and these trips are really good for them.
"This is where they really get to know each other behind-the-scenes. They have been exposed to the fundamental principles of our work. I think you start from a base of simple work and then you develop from there."
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