The Telegraph has reported that Newcastle United and Eddie Howe had productive open-ended discussions. Following the creation of a target list, transfer plans will now proceed.
According to Luke Edwards, Howe’s remarks last Friday about recent changes at the club “alarmed” the board, who were keen to act quickly to resolve a situation that may throw our summer into disarray.
With Paul Mitchell joining us as our new, recruitment-focused Sporting Director, it is thought that Toon executives have reassured Howe that he WILL hold “significant power” going forward and have a major voice in recruitment meetings. They also agreed that he will be involved in all major decisions and that no deal will be forced on him. According to The Telegraph, one of Howe’s main concerns was that our new transfer guru would sign a player he didn’t like.
Now that this is resolved, at least temporarily, Howe has concurred to get Paul Mitchell’s shortlist of players as we get ready to step up our search for a right-sided center-back and right-winger. The guys on the list should be a mix of local and foreign players.
Given that Sean Longstaff and Callum Wilson only have one year remaining on their contracts, there are concerns about their futures, therefore it’s possible that a midfielder and a striker will also be targeted.