Eddie Howe has gone in-depth about Newcastle United's transfer policy after a month without adding to their three summer signings so far.
The Newcastle head coach has played down what he perceives as a notion that the Magpies have unlimited funds due to the Middle East investment at St James' Park in the last 12 months. And after a clutch of players opted to sign elsewhere Howe admits he must work with the squad he has as Newcastle head into the first game of the season without a new striker or winger.
Howe said today: "We haven't the free reign, free hand, that maybe had been perceived in the media that we can sign whoever we want and pay extortionate fees and wages. We're not in that position and I don't think we will be for some period of time"
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Newcastle missed out on signing Hugo Ekitike from Reims earlier this summer with the Frenchman heading for Paris St-Germain after huge demands from the player's agent. Other targets like Moussa Diaby of Bayer Leverkusen opted against a move to the Magpies.
Another player who Newcastle have bid for is James Maddison but the Leicester City star seems set to start the season in the East Midlands. When asked about Maddison, Howe said: "I'm not going to talk about any individual players. I have respect for them and their club, but we're working hard to try and add to the group."
For all the disappointment on transfers, Howe insists that Newcastle are in a good place going into the new season. He said: "Positivity, enthusiasm, energy. We're going to need all those things this season at the stadium - especially in our home games. I encourage that from our supporters.
"For the players, it's a dangerous thing sometimes. We've got to be cool, calm and collected and stick to our principles to make sure we win the games coming up. Hopefully, the feel-good factor can continue throughout the season."
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