Eddie Howe has given little away after being quizzed on reports linking Newcastle United with a move for Burnley’s Maxwel Cornet.
Speaking to the press after last night’s win over Atalanta, the boss refused to comment on rumours – via talkSPORT – we are ‘ready’ to activate the Ivorian’s £17.5m release clause and also responded to claims Elliot Anderson is set to remain on Tyneside.
The Telegraph revealed earlier this week that the 19-year-old will NOT be loaned out after impressing over pre-season, but Howe insists that no final decision has been made on his short-term future.
He accepts that, as things stand, Anderson looks likely to be part of his Premier League plans ahead of the new season, however his update on potential incomings before next Saturday’s clash with Nottingham Forest was a sobering one.
Howe says it’s “unlikely” a new striker or winger arrives ahead of the big kick off, but insists it’s about getting the “right players” – not rushing moves for the wrong attackers just because we can.
Here’s what the boss had to say on all of the above, starting with his response to the Cornet reports just a few hours after the 25-year-old was left out of Burnley’s squad for the opening night of the Championship season:
Howe on Maxwel Cornet:
“A predictable answer from me, I won’t comment on other people’s players.”
Howe on incomings before Nottingham Forest:
“Never say never but as the days tick by…it is looking more and more unlikely.
“I probably wouldn’t have hoped to be in this situation (not having made any attacking signings by this point).
“However, the most important thing is that we get the right players, not the speed that we get them in.”
Howe when asked if Elliot Anderson is set to stay:
“It’s a very good question. I will sit here, and answer the questions but no decision will be made on a loan until the end of the window.
“But as it stands it looks like he is going to stay. He did well for the penalty and could have scored.
“In pre-season he has got better and better. I knew his quality and last year we couldn’t give him an opportunity. He came back a better player from Bristol Rovers.”
