Alan Pardew: “The performance against Columbus was there for all to see – Demba Ba did well.
“If we get a couple of new players this team won’t be far away.
“As I have explained it will take time.
“But in August things will start coming thick and fast – everybody has been away on tour.
“I think we could have something resolved in time for the Arsenal game. I hope we will.
“I certainly feel that the motivation from Mike Ashley, Derek and myself is to get the deal done before that game.
“You can never say never with transfers.
“I think this has been a great period for me.
“When you have a tour like we have had, which gained good, bad and ugly, the character of the group shines through.
“We were under pressure at times, especially after losing to Orlando.”