Eddie Howe has revealed that he’d like Javier Manquillo to stay at Newcastle this summer, but refused to rule out a late move away for the Spaniard.
The fit-again right-back has slipped down the pecking order following the arrival of Tino Livramento, with Howe accepting that his future now depends on “what he wants.” The boss is “trying to build a squad” to cope with the demands ahead, yet accepts that it’s in Manquillo’s hands after links with a return to Spain.
As for incomings, Howe doubled down on last week’s claims, insisting “we won’t be adding to the squad” unless there’s an injury that forces our hand in the final week of the window.
Here’s what he had to say when asked for a transfer update, starting with his response when asked if Manquillo could leave before next Friday’s deadline:
Howe on Manquillo:
“Possibly, that would depend on what he wants. For me I’m trying to build the squad as deep as we can for the season ahead.
“At the moment it seems very calm but we’re going to have games coming as soon as this break comes, after that we have an intense period of games. We need the depth. I’d like him to stay but it’s in his hands.“
Howe when asked if we’re still closed for incoming business:
“It’s still the case at the moment (That we won’t be signing anyone else). Unless something happens to a couple of players in one position before the window shuts, we won’t be adding to the squad.”
