Eddie Howe has been speaking to the press this morning, taking questions on the January transfer window, Kalvin Phillips, potential budgets and the signing of another midfielder.
On potential incomings, the boss says nothing is “close”. He was then asked specifically about Kalvin Phillips after reports claimed we are ‘confident’ of wrapping up an early loan deal. In response to this, he added: “If nothing else is close that can’t be close.”
He then discussed our potential January budget – which he’s had no assurances over – ahead of a “very difficult month to bring in quality players”, commenting on FFP and the possibility of signing a new No 6:
Howe on assurances over his January budget:
“No we haven’t had those assurances (from the board about money available). It’s a difficult month as we always say when January comes around, but it is a very difficult month to bring in quality players.
“Financial fair play continues to affect our decision-making so let’s wait and see.”
Howe on signing a new No 6:
“No, that’s not where my mind’s at (a new No 6 midfielder). We recruited a midfield player in the summer to give us competition in that area.
“Unfortunately we’ve lost him for a long period of time which is not necessarily something we could control.
“FFP is part of our future and isn’t going anywhere, we need to navigate it.”
