Howe tight-lipped over Botman situation

EDDIE Howe has refused to respond to increasing talk that Sven Botman could be the club’s next January signing.

The Magpies are off and running in the window with the addition of Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid for £12million ensuring Howe has made a good start.

But the arrival of further signings is now high on the subject of supporters in what is certain to be an exciting window.

When asked directly about Botman, as talk emerges from Lille that he could be open to a move,

Howe said: “I can never comment on individual players due to respect of the player and the club he plays for. I never want to avoid questions but on those type I have to steer clear.”

Botman is a player who has been watched by Newcastle’s head of recruitment Steve Nickson with the Dutchman also attracting interest from AC Milan.

Asked about further signings: “We’re in the hands of clubs selling players, agents, players wanting to come. There’s no guarantees. It might sound simple from the outside but it’s very different when you’re on the inside. I’m confident but no promises”

With Callum Wilson injured for the foreseeable future, with no timescale yet available, Howe was inevitably quizzed on whether he would sign another striker.

He said: “We don’t have a clear diagnosis (on how long he will be out for).

“Certainly, depending on those results will possibly impact what we do. But’s all dependent on who we can recruit.

“It’s all dependent on who’s available and who we can recruit because it’s probably the toughest position at any time of year to recruit in. The quality of players in that position is very short on the ground”