Eddie Howe has named Leicester’s Harvey Barnes as a player he “really, really” likes, but insists his proposed move to Newcastle United is not done just yet.
The boss “hopes” that he’ll be able to join the squad in this week’s tour of the USA and confirms that Allan Saint-Maximin’s move to Al-Ahli is “likely” to go through. However, he has rejected suggestions we are receiving above market value for the Frenchman, saying he’s “sure” the deal will satisfy the Premier League.
Speaking to the press from Philadelphia, he adds that we are still “actively looking for players”, saying there’s “moving parts all the time” as we attempt to recruit while working within FFP parameters.
See his latest quotes below ahead of our upcoming clash with Aston Villa at midnight tonight:
Howe on Barnes’ proposed arrival – “Nothing is confirmed for any deal in. Harvey is a player I really, really like but he’s still contracted to Leicester so that’s as much as I can say at this minute.”
Howe when asked if Barnes could join US tour – “Yeah, there’s hope that could possibly be done, but I’m loathe to go into too much detail until it’s completed,” said Howe when asked if Barnes could join the tour”.
Howe on Saint-Maximin’s move to Al-Ahli and the Premier League complaints – “Likely he will leave but nothing confirmed yet. The deal is not confirmed so it’s difficult to give too much detail or clarity on certain things. But what I would say is that we’re governed by the same rules that every other Premier League club is regarding deals so we will fit every criteria needed to make sure the deal is above board and done properly, I’m sure it will satisfy the Premier League or whoever looks at the deal.”
Howe with a transfer update – “We’re still actively looking for players. At Gateshead, I was trying to explain my emotions. There will always be frustrating days at times then more positive news later, it’s never a simple process. It’s moving parts all the time. I’m very pleased with Sandro Tonali, he’s been excellent in training and did well at Rangers. But as I say after Gateshead we are looking for more.”
I’m sure keeping and despatching some players is to keep the numbers of “home grown” player numbers at a certain level in the squad otherwise why would we keep the likes of Ritchie, Dummet and even possibly Lascelles still be here.
It seems to be a balancing act as much as buying and selling process, eg Tolani in St Max out?
Joseph(Quote)