We may have a cup semi-final at Southampton tomorrow, but Eddie Howe has been busy taking questions on our transfer plans during this morning’s press conference.
The boss began by admitting there’s “no positive news” to share on the transfer front as of today, but insisted there is “a lot of work going on” behind the scenes to bring in new players.
As expected, he issued a “no comment” response when asked about recent links with Everton winger Anthony Gordon; although it remains to be seen how that situation develops if and when Frank Lampard is sacked.
He then denied claims Jonjo Shelvey could be on his way to Besiktas, stressing that Karl Darlow won’t be allowed to join heavily-linked Hull City until after tomorrow’s Carabao Cup semi-final.
It was also quite telling that Howe described Chris Wood’s exit as a “blow” – suggesting the sudden offer from Forest was too good for the club or player to turn down – and talked up the need for us to sign a replacement who can “bolster us in attacking areas”, though it sounds like we aren’t pursuing a “like-for-like” replacement.
Here’s what Howe had to say on all of the above, starting with his initial update on potential incomings:
“The club are trying. That’s where we are.
“There’s no positive news to give you but certainly there is a lot of work going on.”
“It’s no secret that losing Chris Wood was a blow to us and we’re looking, not necessarily for a like-for-like transfer, but someone who can bolster us in the attacking areas.”
Howe when asked if he could give an update on reported interest in Anthony Gordon:
“No, no comment…on any players.”
Howe on Jonjo Shelvey being linked with a move to Besiktas:
“I’ve been surprised at all the speculation (about Shelvey). I’ve got no idea where that has come from. It’s certainly not come from us. Jonjo is a very valued member of the squad.”
Howe on talk of Karl Darlow joining Hull City on loan:
“There’ll be no one going out before tomorrow. We assess the squad on a daily basis, and depending on what’s happening, there’s lots of noise and lots of things going on, but we certainly want to keep the squad intact.”
Howe on shifting his focus to transfers after tomorrow’s game:
“The players we have here, they are always my priority so training and games and making sure we don’t take any shortcuts.
“Then, once that (Southampton) is done, it is the transfer market and making sure we identify the players we feel that can make the group stronger.”
