Still work to do on deals, admits boss

EDDIE Howe admits he would ideally have two more players through the door by now at Newcastle United.

However, various factors, including inflation and Newcastle being charged extra on certain deals due to perceived wealth, have hardly helped the Toon cause.

Howe remains upbeat, though, and expects business to be done sooner rather than later with more than a month of the window remaining.

When asked if the next transfer deal would be the hardest, Howe said: “You are trying to lead me with your question, but it is a good question. Yes,

“We are now going into an area where we are still looking. We want to improve the squad.

“We are really pleased with what we have done but we know we have more to do.

“It has to be the right one, in the right position. So it is not simple.”

Newcastle have been looking for a winger and a striker in recent weeks after landing Sven Botman, Matt Targett and Nick Pope - but Howe stated in Austria that if United don’t land certain targets they could simply look at improving other areas.

He added: “When you look at how our squad is built, it is not a simple puzzle to solve. x

“We are trying to do that as much as we can. We are working very, very hard. If I am not here talking to you or taking training and I am working on recruitment.

“A lot of work has gone into it but it is hopefully going to be worth it because the next move is probably one of the most important I will make.”

Howe explained why he wanted players through the door before now and said: “The ideal is to have all of your signings in before the start of pre-season.

“The reality is, particularly because of the length of the window, that was never going to happen.

“So to have three players in, and they have all settled really well, I am delighted.

“This is where they really get to know each other behind-thescenes. They have been exposed to the fundamental principles of our work. I think you start from a base of simple work and then you develop from there.”