Eddie Howe reveals push for more signings after £34m move for "rare" Malick Thiaw

Keep calm and carry on have probably been five words doing the rounds in Eddie Howe's head for the last few weeks.

With his star striker and top scorer AWOL, some of his top summer targets set to be consigned to the bench by their own new clubs, and with Newcastle still needing to bolster their squad significantly before the start of the season, it's a miracle Howe hasn't publicly snapped like so many top Premier League managers have in the past.

But the boss remains resolute, a testament to his character and skill as a manager, as well as how far the club has come since his appointment back in 2021.

In a new interview, Howe has expressed his excitement for the season coming up ahead, and that he and the team are "desperate" for more success after the heroics of last season.

Howe "still hoping for more signings"

Speaking to the BBC ahead of our game against Aston Villa, Eddie Howe has expressed some relief that we have finally been able to get some big names through the door, but more are still needed.

So far, we've signed Anthony Elanga, Aaron Ramsdale and Malick Thiaw, each of whom does improve our first team squad, with Jacob Ramsey - currently on Tyneside ahead of a medical - and Yoane Wissa expected to be ours by the end of the window.

Discussing our incomings so far and his push for more, Howe had this to say in a new interview with BBC Sport, starting with special praise for his new £34m centre-back:

"I'm really excited by Malick. I think he is a great age. He's full of potential and the best of his career is yet to come.

"He's an imposing character. He's 6ft 4in, quick, athletic, good on the ball. Those types of players are very rare to find. He's a good character as well so I'm very excited by what he can bring.

"I like all our signings. Anthony will bring his unique mix of pace, speed and creativity. Aaron is a real character. We have known him for a long time, but he's a very good goalkeeper.

"I'm still hoping for more. I think we need more. We have got some big gaps within the squad still."

Wilson replacement wanted

Howe then highlighted the need for another striker, regardless of ongoing saga surrounding Alexander Isak.

With Callum Wilson released and Will Osula currently the only striker training with the squad, a move for Brentford's Yoane Wissa is in the pipeline - but only if the dominoes fall into place.

"We have been looking to replace Callum for some time," said Howe on our search for another striker.

""He was such a good servant for us and, of course, we have had issues with Alex's situation this year so that position is definitely a cause for concern."