Eddie Howe admits Newcastle United will target 'elite' players this summer as speculation hots up over potential arrivals on Tyneside. Howe was quizzed specifically about West Ham United star Declan Rice, who continues to be linked with a move away from east London.
Rice has been touted as a potential summer addition for Newcastle despite manager David Moyes previously insisting it would take an English record fee to prise the Hammers captain away from the club. A move of that nature may be out of Newcastle's range this summer but Howe refused to rule it out.
“That is a difficult question to answer. We are trying to build the best squad we can," he told reporters on Friday. "I think a lot will probably depend on what competitions we are playing in next year as to what we can and can’t do.”
READ MORE: Everything Eddie Howe said on injuries, transfers and top four at Newcastle press conference
Newcastle continue to abide by Financial Fair Play rules and kept their powder relatively dry in January with a squad overhaul expected at the end of the season. The Magpies have spent significantly since the 2021 takeover but still lag behind the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea with their financial capabilities.
When pushed on the Rice question and whether it would completely deplete Newcastle's summer budget, Howe admitted he wanted top class players to arrive before next season. “I think we will always try to gauge it in every situation," he added.
“Our strategy last summer was to try and find quality players for the positions that we needed not to bring in a host of players who don’t necessarily improve our starting XI or squad. I don’t think our strategy will change.
"We want elite players because we have an elite squad. If we do add anyone in they have to be better than the players we have.”
Newcastle spent £40m on Anthony Gordon in January but the move has yet to pay off. The former Everton star reacted angrily when subbed off in the closing stages of Saturday's 2-1 win at Brentford after being brought on at half-time.
However, Howe insists the matter has been dealt with and the player has apologised. "He felt the need to apologise," the Toon boss said.
"Part of me understood why he acted like he did, but I didn't condone it. You don't want to see any player react like that because, suddenly, you will have a team that looks like it doesn't have the discipline that it needs."
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