"I'm surprised" - Howe on exit rumours, transfer latest and captaincy changes
Eddie Howe has revealed his surprise at the stories linking Kieran Trippier with a move away from Newcastle United, also discussing transfers and the recent captaincy changes.
He doesn't rule out a late exit, but insists the 33-year-old is a "valuable member of the squad" and has trained well all week ahead of Sunday's trip to Bournemouth. "I'm not really sure where this has come from", was his message when asked about the rumours in this morning's press conference.
This comes after The Athletic's David Ornstein and The Mail's Craig Hope reported that the England international was looking to leave over the next week after losing his place in our starting 11 and seeing Bruno Guimaraes take captaincy duties.
On that, Howe revealed that Jamaal Lascelles has been promoted to 'club captain' and Bruno Guimaraes stepping up to 'team captain', with Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn set to 'continue their roles' as part of our leadership group that also features Callum Wilson and Jacob Murphy.
On incomings, Howe says there is 'work going on behind the scenes', but admits he doesn't get regular updates on that and has 'no news' to share as he prepares for Sunday's game. Here's what he's had to say:
Howe on Kieran Trippier - "The situation is business as usual. Tripps has trained really well this week. I'm surprised by a lot of the stories that have come out. A valuable member of the squad. His professionalism has been first-class. He's trained really well since he came back from the Euros...he continues to be really valued by all of us.
"He's just trained as normal and he's been very good. I'm not really sure where this has come from. He's preparing as we all are for the game on Sunday. His leadership skills, his ability with the ball, his assist record, everything he brings to the group we definitely want here.
"I hope so (when asked if he'll stay). I can never answer these questions with absolute certainty because it's football and the transfer window is always unpredictable. But my wish is that he stays here and continues to play for us."
Howe on transfers - "No news. I'm a step removed from it so it's always difficult for me to give you definitive answers but I'm aware there's still work going on behind the scenes...I'm not getting regular updates so what will be will be.
"I'm involved in the selection of the players and that is a painstaking process. It's in depth. A lot of time is spent trying to identify the right targets. Then, of course, when it comes to the negotiations and the deals, naturally, that's not my place."
Howe on captaincy changes - "Jamaal [Lascelles] has been promoted to club captain, so he’s going to oversee the other captains. He’s an incredible leader behind-the-scenes, and Kieran [Trippier] and Dan [Burn] in the leadership group continue their roles. Bruno has stepped up to be team captain, but we need eleven leaders on the pitch, regardless of who wears the armband."
