George Caulkin reveals Eddie Howe’s transfer demand as Toon push for TWO permanent deals

In a piece for The Athletic, George Caulkin has described how character has become a ‘huge part’ of Eddie Howe’s recruitment drive at Newcastle – explaining why we are so specific about the type of player we’re targeting this summer.

Caulkin also reports that the club are hoping to secure TWO permanent signings before the window closes on September 1st, suggesting our options at Chelsea may not necessarily be loan moves.

At the beginning of the window, many believed we would be purchasing a whole new star-studded line-up with the likes of Mauro Icardi and Memphis Depay having been offered in recent weeks.

However, with Howe having the final say on all incomings and outgoings, the 44-year-old has been adamant he wants to ‘enhance the first team quality’ while avoiding ‘jeopardising its spirit’.

Here’s a snippet from the piece itself:

‘With less than a fortnight to go until the transfer deadline, there is hope at Newcastle United that two deals — preferably permanent, rather than loans — are still there to be done.’

‘Character has become a huge part of Newcastle’s story, with Eddie Howe, the head coach, said to be particularly stringent about the type of people the club are signing.

‘Howe is fundamental to the whole transfer strategy, having the final say on all incomings and outgoings, and he has repeatedly steered the club away from deals that might enhance the first team’s talent but potentially jeopardise its spirit.‘

With just two weeks left in the window, the club remain ‘hopeful’ of securing a further two signings – likely to be Watford’s Joao Pedro and possibly a second from Chelsea’s ranks – with it interesting to read that we prefer two permanent deals.

After almost two full windows under our new regime, it is clear that our transfer strategy has been a well-thought-out process and slowly but surely we are building a very likeable but talented squad that has united the fans with the club once more.