Sales key to Toon spends

EDDIE HOWE has admitted Newcastle have not got scope for big transfers in the summer.

In a gloomy verdict on his ability to have a clear out and revamp at St James’ Park, Howe hinted he could have to go again with the majority of his current squad.

On Friday, Howe said: “I don’t see a way we can have a mass overhaul. It’s almost impossible because of Financial Fair Play rules.

“Any player that we lose from our squad has to be replaced.

“It costs a lot of money to find elite Premier League players. I’m sure there will be trading, but I’m not sure how much.”

However much will depend on whether rivals decide a squad that is currently mid-table, and could end up without European football, is ripe for raiding.

Manchester City got a close look at Bruno Guimaraes in last night’s FA Cup quarter final.

And the only way I can see big funds being available for a three or four player summer window is if City make the Brazilian their main transfer target.

Guimaraes would cost around £100million and is capable of playing regularly in City’s first team and adding to their quality.

He should be on their radar with the futures of Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne uncertain. Silva is wanted by PSG, and De Bruyne has been courted by the Saudi league.

Guimaraes sends out all the right messages that he is fully committed to Newcastle, who he has served brilliantly for two years.

But could any Toon fan begrudge him a move to a club that guarantees medals? He’d slot in perfectly at The Etihad, with his clever passing and driving a side forward.

A deal would give Newcastle a book profit of around £80m, and that is the scale of sale which they need to be big buyers in the summer.