Eddie Howe has denied claims Newcastle United have approached Scott McTominay over a potential move to St James’ Park.
The Scottish international is out of favour at Old Trafford and has been linked with a move to Tyneside once again this week, but Howe was quick to deny that rumour during this morning’s press conference.
He does admit, however, that the loan market is a “big option” for the club this month, even if it is “very difficult” to bring in the “right player” on a temporary basis.
As for other potential incomings, Howe insists we are “working hard” behind the scenes and assessing the market, but are not close to any signings as things stand.
On outgoings, the 45-year-old seemed in no rush to let anyone go, preferring to develop those he has than upset the balance of the squad. However, he accepts that certain players could leave if a “good deal” presented itself. Here’s what he had to say this morning on all of the above:
Howe on the current state of play with regards to incomings:
“We’re working hard at the moment on staying very much in contact with the market, and doing a lot of work, but we’re not imminently close to signing anybody at the moment.
“We’re not actively bidding for players at the moment. It’s a watching brief, currently.
“Certainly, we’re not close to anything now.”
Howe on reports we’ve approached Scott McTominay:
“No, that’s not true.
Howe on the loan market:
“The loan market is always a big option for us but getting the right player on loan is very difficult, so we’ll wait and see.”
Howe on potential outgoings this month:
“Yeah, I mean, there’s not a huge desire in me to sell anyone this window but and then there’s always about it depends on what’s presented to you.
“So you could have an idea that you want to keep the whole group together and you get something that comes left-field that you think the club thinks is a good deal to do.
“Certainly, my intention is to try and develop what we have rather than lose anybody. I don’t think that we’re at the stage unnecessarily where we’re overloaded with numbers or overloaded with quality. I think, yeah, that’s my intention.”
