NEWCASTLE UNITED are reportedly not set to splash the cash next month to continue their top four push – with “one in, one out” the most likely scenario.
Boss Eddie Howe has led the Magpies from bottom of the league last winter when he took charge to the top three ahead of the World Cup break.
They are currently on a five-match winning run and he wants to improve his squad once the transfer window re-opens.
Despite the huge wealth of their Saudi Arabian owners, Howe knows that FFP rules could limit his budget.
He will hold a meeting in the Middle East country, where the Toon are currently enjoying a training camp, with co-owners Amanda Staveley, Mehrdad Ghodoussi and Jamie Reuben and sporting director Dan Ashworth to prepare for the upcoming window.
However, The Mail states that they understand “one in, one out” is “the most likely scenario after a year in which the Saudi-backed owners have spent in excess of £200m” on new additions.
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Speaking to the publication, Howe said: “As a manager, I am always looking to improve the team. I will never sit here and be content – I don’t think that is the right way to manage.
“My way to take the team to new heights is to improve through the training of the players we have. If we can’t get to a certain level, then we need to find that in the transfer market.
“In my position, you are keen to sign the best players you can – but those players come at a premium. Sven Botman wasn’t cheap, Alex Isak (£60m) wasn’t cheap. Those are players who can influence the starting XI.
“Do we have the finances for that? I do not know. That might impact our options.
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“It is a considerable outlay the club have to find and with FFP, I’m not sure that’s available to us. You have to work within the guidelines of the club.”
The 45-year-old former Bournemouth manager added: “The squad, in my eyes, looks different to what it did in the summer because of how well players have done – and from my perspective, I can’t ignore that.
“We look like, on paper, we have a very strong squad when everyone is fit. Everyone is not fit currently, and that has a bearing on what you look to do in January.
“I am not expecting too much business, whether incoming or outgoing, but it is football and it is January, so it’s unpredictable.
“We can’t predict what is going to happen with our own squad, in terms of fitness and availability, so we do need to be ready to act if we need to.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
