Football: Howe wary of splashing Newcastle cash in January window
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Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes during the warm-up before the 3-0 Premier League win over Leicester City on Boxing Day.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON – Eddie Howe has said he has no intention of abandoning Newcastle United’s end-of-season transfer plans with excessive spending in the January window.
The Magpies head into their Premier League clash at home to Leeds on Saturday in an impressive third place, seven points behind leaders Arsenal (40).
It is nearly 70 years since Newcastle last won a major domestic trophy, but fans of the north-east side hope that drought is about to end.
The club’s Saudi-backed owners
While they are open to strengthening the squad in January, manager Howe is adamant they will not be spending irresponsibly.
“If you’re looking to improve the team, the starting XI as it is if we have no injuries, then that is a challenge in the market currently,” he said on Friday.
“Again, with an unlimited budget, that might be possible – not that we necessarily have a budget at the moment – but with Financial Fair Play looming and with those restrictions, it’s almost impossible.”
He added: “Then you’re looking at the squad and can you improve the squad? Now that’s a different question.
“Anything we do in January then potentially harms us for the summer. There is always another window coming up and what you don’t want to do is handcuff yourself for future windows, so there’s a lot to consider.”
Newcastle made a statement signing a year ago when England full-back Kieran Trippier joined from Atletico Madrid for a fee of around £12 million.
“Signing Kieran was an incredible moment for us because it changed the way players looked at us,” said Howe. “You’ve got someone who’s achieved what he’s achieved in the game in a great moment in his career and he decided to take on a full-on relegation battle.
“It spoke volumes for his character because, knowing my conversations with him, it was all about the football.”
Kieran Trippier joined Newcastle from Atletico Madrid for a fee of around £12 million.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Looking ahead to the match against Leeds, the Magpies boss added that he is expecting a physical contest, and that he wants his players to keep their feet on the ground despite their position in the table.
“It will be two teams that give their all. I’ve watched a lot of Leeds in preparation for this game and I’ve been impressed by them. We anticipate a very fast-paced game between two good teams,” he said.
“We have to keep pushing boundaries. We have to keep players in a focused place. We’re not even halfway through the season and anything can happen.
“We’re in a winning moment and everything seems fine but that’s a very dangerous place to be. Dipping of standards can happen so we need to stay on top of everything.” AFP
