Howe reveals Paul Mitchell boost, issues transfer update and England response

Eddie Howe has revealed that he's held “positive talks” with new sporting director Paul Mitchell as Newcastle look to "bring the right players to the football club.

Speaking to Chronicle Live after our 2-0 win over Hull on Saturday, Howe insisted that transfer discussions are taking place "several times a day" to improve the squad before confirming he has NOT been contacted by the FA over the vacant England job.

“It is not about having a final say it is about collaboration," Howe said. "We have had positive talks and we are trying to bring the right players to the football club. But it is never about one person's decision. And neither should it be. It is about a group of people coming together and making the right decisions all for the benefit of the football club."

CEO Darren Eales recently said that "90%" of Mitchell's remit is focused on recruitment, but Howe has been quick to insist he is still a key part of the club’s plans and efforts.

"I don't think that disruption is the right word. I am at the end point of recruitment work. Of course I am busy coaching the team and towards the end of collating information where I will have my input. There is a lot going on throughout the year in terms of trying to bring players in."

"I have just been working every hour to make sure we are ready for next season. We are having discussions every day, several times a day to try to move the squad forward and make sure we are ready for what is a very tough Premier League season. But I can't give you false news, we are working towards that and everyone wants the same end point, let's see what happens.

“It’s difficult to judge [when signings will come] but when I give definitive answers you’ll hold me to it and I’ll look stupid! We all want players in but it’s a very slow market, it’s a difficult market where prices are high. All we can do is do our best to bring players in.”

All of this has come with the recent speculation that Howe was being touted for the vacant England job, with the 46-year-old being one of the proposed top candidates. When asked if he had been contacted by the FA in regards to the England job, Howe simply replied “No.”

Signings are needed and frustrations will bubble away until there's a breakthrough, but it sounds like there's been some progress behind the scenes. Let's hope we can get one or two in soon, with a right-winger and right-sided centre-back much needed.