Howe on transfers, strengthening key position after "two huge losses" and striker search

During his press conference today at Newcastle United's new-look media room, Eddie Howe discussed transfers, PSR, why we didn't spend big money on another striker and his desire to bolster our defensive options.

He admitted that PSR 'isn't going to change drastically' for us in the short term, feeling we have to get the balance right when it comes to spending. With that in mind, he explains that it made no logical sense to spend a "huge sum of money" on a third striker when we already have Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson at the club, which explains an initial £10m outlay on Danish U21 talent Will Osula.

Howe then explained that Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are "two huge losses" at centre-back following ACL injuries, leaving us "slightly light on numbers" at the back. We have signed Lloyd Kelly, but this helps explain our continued efforts to sign Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi; a versatile centre-back who can cover on the left or right-hand side.

Here's everything Howe had to say on PSR, our striker search and more defensive recruits:

"I don’t think PSR is going to change drastically for us, short term. There’s going to be a period where, yes of course we can recruit, but there’s got to be a balance to that. We’re going to have to bring in income as well. We’re managing that very delicately.

"Of course, with Alex and Callum hopefully both being fit for the majority of the season and carrying that attacking load together, then when you have a sum of money to spend, you’re logically not going to spend a huge sum of money in that position when you have other positions that maybe require a bit more investment.

"It’s a very difficult balance. We’ll try to get it right, but through the period of time that I’m going to be here, I’m sure there’s going to have to be outgoings as well to balance it up the other way.

"We’re slightly light on numbers (in defence). Emil has done a really good job during pre-season, playing inside from his normal full-back position, and he has the capability of doing that.

"We have very good players in there, but, naturally, when you lose those two players for the length of the time that we have, that was a big dent in the middle of our defence.

"Sven, just before his injury, was in a brilliant run of form. He had just scored his first goal for the club, and that was a real blow for us, and Jamaal, who stepped in for Sven, was doing really well, and then we him as well. So two huge losses. I think the lads that came in at the back end of last season did very well to play consistently, and play consistently well, but it’s certainly an area we’re looking at.