Due to Darren Eales recent utterings Eddie Howe’s pre match press conference was very much centred on the clubs’ position regarding, incomings, outgoings, and the topic of the month; namely FFP how we can still operate effectively within the Premier League’s profit and Sustainability Rules.
Questioned specifically on the transfer window Howe was very forthcoming, saying “It's been a difficult window so far. It's the first time since I've been manager that we've been linked with players leaving. That creates an unsettling dynamic.
A lot of those rumours have been just that. Rumours. I'm trying to prepare our team for the next game”.
On possible incomings Howe was less forthcoming and more philosophical in his choice of words. “I don't know. Things are changing on a daily basis. We're working behind the scenes on targets. But there's no guarantee it will happen.
It's my end to try and leave the window with the strongest squad possible and that won't change”.
The first player out of the door during this window is Javier Manquillo, who has joined Rafa Benitez at Celta Vigo. Speaking of the departure Howe said “I'm not sure it gives us much wiggle room in the transfer market but very sad to see him go. He's been a loyal servant and seen a lot in his years here. He's been very supportive of the players as he has been injured this year. Very talented player and sad to see him go. Wish him well for the future”.
Next up for those participating in press conference bingo was the future of Joelinton as he enters the final 18 months of his contract and seeking a fresh deal that reflects his standing as one of Howe’s blue-chip players. Asked if he could be a victim of the FFP situation, Howe said: “It’s a possibility but I hope that’s not the case… I want him to stay. Before a player signs a contract, he has to be happy with everything… and so it’s a possibility he’ll be sold in the summer”.
Confirming that the Brazilian has undergone an operation Howe added “it’s a massive blow for us. We knew when he did the injury it immediately didn't look good. We didn't know he'd be out as long. He's had a stop-start season. When he is fit and firing, there's no one like him and he brings a different dynamic to our midfield. He's a leader as well. He'll be a big miss”.
Turning to the future of Jamaal Lascelles amid speculation that he is wanted by Turkish side Besiktas, Howe simply said “He’s a big part of what we do. Want him to stay”.
With speculation and rumour flying around Tyneside, driven mainly by press utterings Howe said of Callum Wilson “It's been a strange one. A lot of speculation and a lot of it unfounded. From our side, he's a huge part of what we do. We're desperate to get our two strikers fit again. He's nearing a return and looks good. He's getting there. There's no part of me that wants to lose him.
In every conversation, he's 100 per cent committed. No part of him is looking elsewhere. He's got big ambitions and we want to keep him here. But some things are out of our control. The club is acting with the long-term interests of the club and they have to. Let's see what happens”.
On Almiron’s future Howe said similar as he did speaking of Wilson “Very similar. A lot of noise and speculation around his future. I'm desperate to keep him. He's been an integral part since I came to the club. His contribution has been immense.
There has been a lot of noise and it comes from somewhere but hopefully we can keep him”.
The only player among Howe’s squad for whom a firm offer has been rebuked is Kieran Trippier and Howe was equally careful with his words as he was talking about other players linked with moves. “We hope he will stay and we're very confident he will be part of our long-term future. But I have to make it clear he has never asked to leave or even questioned his future here. We've had conversations in the last week and it's always been about Newcastle. It's important I make that clear. His commitment to Newcastle shouldn't be questioned”.
“It's a huge compliment that a club like Bayern are interested. For us, to be sat here now, I want to keep all our best players. To contemplate losing a player at this stage would be very difficult for me personally, especially our best players.
His situation is finished. I've been in football long enough to never say 100 per cent. I don't want to look stupid but he's 100 per cent committed.”
Getting back to the weekend’s FA Cup 4th round tie and Craven Cottage Howe seemed to be happy to talk about matters that he does have some control over, saying “It is a big moment in our season as the Sunderland game was, this is an important competition for us now, a new dynamic because of what’s gone before. We are desperate to get our best form back and progress.
We are hopeful you will see a very energetic performance, and a very technical one because we have put a lot of work into that. We are determined to do well. I believe in this team”.
On the injury front Howe said "It's still a long list. Jacob Murphy has trained and looked good. Been pleased with his progress and it's a big positive. No one else has returned but they're getting closer and showing good signs”.
Murphy could well feature on Saturday evening.
Match referee is Jarred Gillett. VAR will be used and will be overseen by Robert Jones.
Questioned specifically on the transfer window Howe was very forthcoming, saying “It's been a difficult window so far. It's the first time since I've been manager that we've been linked with players leaving. That creates an unsettling dynamic.
A lot of those rumours have been just that. Rumours. I'm trying to prepare our team for the next game”.
On possible incomings Howe was less forthcoming and more philosophical in his choice of words. “I don't know. Things are changing on a daily basis. We're working behind the scenes on targets. But there's no guarantee it will happen.
It's my end to try and leave the window with the strongest squad possible and that won't change”.
The first player out of the door during this window is Javier Manquillo, who has joined Rafa Benitez at Celta Vigo. Speaking of the departure Howe said “I'm not sure it gives us much wiggle room in the transfer market but very sad to see him go. He's been a loyal servant and seen a lot in his years here. He's been very supportive of the players as he has been injured this year. Very talented player and sad to see him go. Wish him well for the future”.
Next up for those participating in press conference bingo was the future of Joelinton as he enters the final 18 months of his contract and seeking a fresh deal that reflects his standing as one of Howe’s blue-chip players. Asked if he could be a victim of the FFP situation, Howe said: “It’s a possibility but I hope that’s not the case… I want him to stay. Before a player signs a contract, he has to be happy with everything… and so it’s a possibility he’ll be sold in the summer”.
Confirming that the Brazilian has undergone an operation Howe added “it’s a massive blow for us. We knew when he did the injury it immediately didn't look good. We didn't know he'd be out as long. He's had a stop-start season. When he is fit and firing, there's no one like him and he brings a different dynamic to our midfield. He's a leader as well. He'll be a big miss”.
Turning to the future of Jamaal Lascelles amid speculation that he is wanted by Turkish side Besiktas, Howe simply said “He’s a big part of what we do. Want him to stay”.
With speculation and rumour flying around Tyneside, driven mainly by press utterings Howe said of Callum Wilson “It's been a strange one. A lot of speculation and a lot of it unfounded. From our side, he's a huge part of what we do. We're desperate to get our two strikers fit again. He's nearing a return and looks good. He's getting there. There's no part of me that wants to lose him.
In every conversation, he's 100 per cent committed. No part of him is looking elsewhere. He's got big ambitions and we want to keep him here. But some things are out of our control. The club is acting with the long-term interests of the club and they have to. Let's see what happens”.
On Almiron’s future Howe said similar as he did speaking of Wilson “Very similar. A lot of noise and speculation around his future. I'm desperate to keep him. He's been an integral part since I came to the club. His contribution has been immense.
There has been a lot of noise and it comes from somewhere but hopefully we can keep him”.
The only player among Howe’s squad for whom a firm offer has been rebuked is Kieran Trippier and Howe was equally careful with his words as he was talking about other players linked with moves. “We hope he will stay and we're very confident he will be part of our long-term future. But I have to make it clear he has never asked to leave or even questioned his future here. We've had conversations in the last week and it's always been about Newcastle. It's important I make that clear. His commitment to Newcastle shouldn't be questioned”.
“It's a huge compliment that a club like Bayern are interested. For us, to be sat here now, I want to keep all our best players. To contemplate losing a player at this stage would be very difficult for me personally, especially our best players.
His situation is finished. I've been in football long enough to never say 100 per cent. I don't want to look stupid but he's 100 per cent committed.”
Getting back to the weekend’s FA Cup 4th round tie and Craven Cottage Howe seemed to be happy to talk about matters that he does have some control over, saying “It is a big moment in our season as the Sunderland game was, this is an important competition for us now, a new dynamic because of what’s gone before. We are desperate to get our best form back and progress.
We are hopeful you will see a very energetic performance, and a very technical one because we have put a lot of work into that. We are determined to do well. I believe in this team”.
On the injury front Howe said "It's still a long list. Jacob Murphy has trained and looked good. Been pleased with his progress and it's a big positive. No one else has returned but they're getting closer and showing good signs”.
Murphy could well feature on Saturday evening.
Match referee is Jarred Gillett. VAR will be used and will be overseen by Robert Jones.
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