Covid, takeover and survival fight making window even tougher

NEWCASTLE’S extraordinary wealth and perilious Premier League position have made the January transfer window even more difficult than normal, says Eddie Howe.

United had hoped to have two more new faces in their squad for today’s clash at Leeds but have failed to push any deals over the line.

Head coach Howe admitted this has been a frustrating week for the club with less than two weeks left now to bolster a squad which is staring relegation in the face.

The 19th-place Magpies are believed to have held intensive talks with the agents of both Diego Carlos and Jesse Lingard - but both Sevilla and Manchester United are unwilling to let their stars go cheaply.

Howe said: “It has been frustrating in the transfer market.

“We know we are up against a deadline and we are desperately trying to improve the squad.

“We are working very hard behind the scenes but it has been a fruitless search this week.”

The 44-year-old added: “I think there is a difficult combination this January.

“When you add Covid to the mix and a reluctance from clubs to lose players just in case there is an outbreak at their club, it makes it very complex.

“January is already notoriously difficult to bring in the right players.

“I am sure the takeover has elevated people’s expectations on what Newcastle can pay other clubs.

“Add all of that together and it has been a very difficult window for everybody so far, more so when you are in our position and you are keen to change the dynamics of certain situations. It has been very difficult.”