Howe drops double transfer hint when quizzed on squad overhaul, summer budget and FFP

Eddie Howe has played down suggestions there'll be a squad overhaul this summer, insisting that the "majority" of the group deserve to stick with the side next season.

The boss also hinted at careful spending, saying there'll be no "unlimited budget" and more smart business to keep in line with financial fair play (FFP) restrictions.

That doesn't mean a sizeable amount won't be spent this summer - after all, the new owners have splashed out £250m over the last three windows. However, it's a reminder that we may not be able to make mega-money moves, even if we do seal a top-four finish and Champions League football.

When asked if we'd make wholesale changes, Howe insisted it is 'almost impossible' to oversee an overhaul in this day and age, feeling the price of players makes it a mammoth task. Not only that, he seems keen to reward the group that has done so well this season and protect the team spirit and harmony that currently exists within the group.

'Elite' players will be signed, as added depth and more star quality will be needed, but it feels like we'll adopt a sensible and measured approach to incomings once again.

Here's what Howe told the press when asked if there'll be an end-of-season overhaul:

“An overhaul of the squad is very difficult to do anyway, it’s almost impossible in this day and age with the prices of players.

"We’re not going to have an unlimited budget, we’re going to have to be very smart with what we do. Financial fair play will still be there and forcing us to work in a certain way.

"But I think it’s the best way to work, we have to make smart decisions, we have to bring in the right players, not just any players. Certainly the majority of the squad here that have performed so well deserve to be part of our future as well.”

Howe was then asked if Everton's FFP issues act as a warning to Newcastle United:

“It’s difficult to comment on other teams and what’s happened at other clubs, but financial fair play has been there for us since I’ve been at this football club. I think it’ll continue to be. Certainly it’s forcing clubs to act in a certain way and they’re the rules, so we have to fall in line.

“You want a balance. Ideally you need a mixture of signings in any windows. But it won’t be an overhaul of the squad, we’ll try and be very selective over what we do.”