Eddie Howe is preparing his Newcastle side to take on Fulham at St James’ Park tomorrow (Image: Getty)
Eddie Howe does not expect Newcastle to conduct any further transfer business in January.
The transfer window closes on Monday and the Magpies’ transfer activity has so far included the permanent departures of both Miguel Almiron and Jamie Miley.
boss Howe reaffirmed that this month was not one for recruiting and expects his squad to remain the same going into the final days of the window.
“We knew this window – barring something huge happening that we didn’t expect – would be a window that we didn’t recruit in,” he said.
“I said that right from the outset and despite being linked with numerous players that’s still the case, we’re not actively looking to bring players in.
“Hopefully the squad’s in a decent place, if we can get Callum (Wilson) and Harvey (Barnes) back fit and firing within a few weeks I think the squad will look good.”
Asked if he sees any further outgoings this window, Howe added: “As we stand now currently, I don’t. Things can change, but as we stand at the moment, I expect the squad to remain the same.”
Almiron’s departure was confirmed on Thursday as the winger returned to MLS side Atlanta United after six years in the and Howe described the deal as one that “needed” to be done due to PSR reasons.
He said: “People are negotiating behind the scenes and I think it’s a deal that suits the club and suits Miggy, it’s a good time for him to get a fresh challenge.
“A club he knows very well and has a great relationship with. I think he goes into very good hands the other way.
“As I’ve said many times this month, it’s a deal we needed to do.
“It leaves us a little bit short in respect of that position where Miggy played in attacking areas currently, while Harvey’s injured and Callum’s injured, we’re certainly stretched in that area. But it was a deal we needed to do.”
When asked why the deal needed to be done, Howe replied: “PSR-related, that’s why we needed to do it.”
Both Barnes and Wilson remain unavailable for this weekend’s clash with Fulham, but Howe hinted that Wilson could be close to a return.
“No chance for this weekend. Callum is getting there, we have seen him in training this week, not the whole session but parts of it,” Howe said.
“He looked good, but no, the plan is not to involve him this week but there is a chance for the games following.
“Harvey is a little bit behind, I think he’s probably going to be within the next two to three weeks.”
Jacob Murphy has impressed in attack for with eight assists so far this season and despite being light in that area, Howe insisted he will “make the best” of his forward options.
He said: “It’s probably not ideal for us in this moment to be light in that position, but it is what it is and I’ve always said I’ve got no problem dealing with what I know and trying to make the best of a situation.
“We’ll look at solutions and players in different positions if we need to. That’s my job to try and find a solution if that happens.”