Newcastle release full Eddie Howe press conference - Transfers, injuries, Joelinton & more

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvkZj8Y52s0&ab_channel=NewcastleUnited

Newcastle United have released footage of Eddie Howe's press conference in full after the boss sat down and took questions from the press on Friday morning.

His 34-minute presser features updates on the futures of Kieran Trippier, Callum Wilson, Miguel Almiron and Jamaal Lascelles, along with the latest on potential incomings and the key reason we pulled out of talks for Kalvin Phillips.

Howe admitted there is a "possibility" Joelinton leaves this summer if an agreement isn't reached over a new deal, but reveals his determination to keep the Brazilian on Tyneside.

The boss also confirmed the arrival of Man City teenager Alfie Harrison and issued a positive update on injuries ahead of tomorrow's FA Cup trip to Fulham, revealing that Jacob Murphy is back in training, with Barnes, Wilson and Willock and "showing good signs."

Howe on Joelinton -"He has 18 months left on his contract. As his manager, I’m determined for him to stay. I love him as a person and a player, so that would be my wish, for him to sign a long-term contract."

"Of course there’s more to it than that. There’s Joe’s wishes and what he wants. Before he signs a contract he has to be entirely happy with everything. We’re not at that stage yet."

“I’m not a fortune teller and I certainly hope that (the idea of him playing his last game for the club) is not the case. There is a possibility that could be the case but I don’t know. 18 months (left on a contract) is a vulnerable time for a club. The club will need to tie Joe down to a longer term contract or there is a possibility he will be sold in the summer. That is just the reality of the situation."

Howe on Trippier – “We obviously hope he’ll stay and are very confident he will and be part of our long-term future. I have to make it clear he’s never asked to leave, he’s been fully committed. We’ve had a lot of conversations and it’s always been about Newcastle this week.

“His situation is finished as far as everyone is concerned, Kieran and myself. I’ve been in football long enough to not say 100 per cent because I don’t want to look stupid, but Kieran is committed and we want to keep him.”

Howe on Wilson – “Once again, he is 100% committed to NUFC. We want two fit strikers and want to keep him. But obviously some things are out of my control…let’s see what happens.”

Howe on Almiron – “A lot of noise and speculation about his future. As his manager, I’m desperate to keep him. His contribution has been immense throughout my time. There has been a lot of noise, that comes from somewhere but hopefully we can keep him and the window shuts quickly.”

Howe on Lascelles – “He’s a big part of what we do. Want him to stay”

Howe on incomings - "I don't know. Things are changing on a daily basis. We’re working behind the scenes on targets. But there’s no guarantee it will happen. It’s my end to try and leave the window with the strongest squad possible and that won’t change. We’re not very close. We’re preparing and that’s all we can do, preparing and seeing what’s out there, identifying players and targets. We’re not active in the market currently.”

Howe on Alfie Harrison - “We welcome him (Harrison) into the football club. I wasn’t directly involved in that transfer but certainly, he’s a highly talented player and we hope he does really well with us.

Howe on Fulham -"It is a big moment in our season as the Sunderland game was, this is an important competition for us now, a new dynamic because of what’s gone before. We are desperate to get our best form back and progress.

"We are hopeful you will see a very energetic performance, and a very technical one because we have put a lot of work into that. We are determined to do well. I believe in this team."