Eddie Howe has been speaking to the press following our 3-2 win over Gateshead this afternoon.
As expected, he was quizzed on transfers, to which he explained that we “don’t have a huge budget” but are working away on deals and “need new additions.”
Despite strong links with Harvey Barnes and Axel Disasi, the boss insists “nothing is close” as things stand. He adds that we “have to be creative” in the market, as our “budget is strict.”
Howe is “prepared to be patient” to get the right players, but realises there’ll come a time where we’ll have to pick up the pace of our business now the season is less than four weeks away. However, he explains that the delay in signing Sandro Tonali highlights how long it can take to get deals “over the line.”
Speaking to the local press after the 3-2 win at the GIS, he had this to say:
“Nothing is close, we are working on that & we need new additions — we don’t have a huge budget to work with. Our budget is strict, now we have to be creative.
“We’re prepared to be patient & get the right players. But we’re also aware we need to improve the squad — so there will come a time that we have to move things forward quicker.
“I’m very aware we do need more. The squad needs to be robust enough to deal with the challenges that we face this season. We’re not currently close (to further signings). We are in the process of talking & negotiating — but Sandro’s transfer demonstrates how long it can take to get over the line.”
It’s well documented that we’re in the market for a left-back, centre-back, midfielder and winger, but our struggle to move players on and ongoing battle with FFP has limited signings so far.
