The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has offered an update on the Toon transfer front, revealing Eddie Howe’s behind-the-scenes push for fresh additions this winter.
The window is expected to be anything but straightforward due to our ongoing battle with FFP restrictions, but it’s thought Howe has asked for players who are ‘first team ready’ – preferably with Premier League experience.
The 45-year-old has urged our owners to build on our superb start to the season, feeling a couple of new signings can help us compete in the league and cup, with us not only in third and pushing for an unlikely top four finish, but also dreaming of silverware ahead of next month’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Leicester.
There’s ‘reservations’ are boardroom level about spending big sums of money – a fair approach after over £200m of first team investment in 2022. However, it seems our plans have been altered slightly now a calf injury to Jonjo Shelvey has increased our need for a new midfielder, while a young right-back and wide forward remain high on Howe’s wanted list.
The Telegraph have been informed that anything spent in the January window will have to be taken from the summer budget previously allocated, as revenue streams remain limited while the club wait for major new sponsorship deals.
With this in mind, Edwards adds that ‘loan-now, pay later deals’ are being explored, with an obligation or option to buy at the end of the season allowing us to bring in new recruits next month without paying any big-money fees until the summer.
