Eddie Howe has been speaking to the press ahead of Newcastle’s second Summer Series game, issuing an update on five potential outgoings and the prospect of more signings at St James’ Park.
The boss reveals that Jamal Lewis’ loan move to Watford should go through in the next ‘24 hours’, confirms Karl Darlow is close to joining Leeds and touches on Allan Saint-Maximin’s imminent move to Al-Ahli; which should be announced soon.
Howe also claimed that ‘nothing’ is close in regards to loan moves for Harrison Ashby and Garang Kuol, who are expected to have a spell away from the club this season.
Ashby was believed to be close to joining Swansea while it was reported today that the Australian forward is close to joining Dutch side FC Volendam, but the boss denied that these moves were nearly complete.
Howe admitted he ‘doesn’t know what is happening’ with Saint-Maximin’s transfer to Al-Ahli, which is due to be made official this week.
Here’s what Howe had to say on all of the above, adding that we’re still “trying our best” to bring in more signings:
“Jamal Lewis is probably the nearest to securing a loan move to Watford. That is closest in the pipeline and that will get done in the next 24 hours. The other two no (Garang Kuol and Harrison Ashby) nothing. Karl is a possible one that might happen in the next few days.
“Karl will certainly go with our best wishes. He has been an incredible servant to the football club. We value him but we can’t carry a team of five goalkeepers.”
Howe also had to this to say on incomings:
“I don’t think that ever stops. We are aware that we need to improve the depth in our squad. We’re currently working towards that. But no updates on anybody getting closer.
“It’s still in the phase where we are trying our best. But we have a full team with us trying to help us get those deals done.”
Here’s what Howe had to say on Saint-Maximin:
“No, I don’t really know what is happening. If nothing officially has come out then the deal is not completed.”
