Howe rules out two moves, drops contract hint and reveals stance on late signings

With the winter transfer window set to to close at 11pm on Monday, Newcastle United have just a few days left to complete any incoming or outgoing business.

As expected, Eddie Howe was quizzed about several transfer topics in this morning's press conference, where the North East press pack had plenty of questions lined up.

We've covered them all here, featuring Howe's comments on ins, outs, Dubravka, Osula and the truth behind Miguel Almiron's sale - which was essential but "not ideal."

Dubravka and Osula going nowhere

Along with a fairly bleak update on our chances of making a signing over the final four days of the January window, Eddie Howe ruled out late moves for Martin Dubravka or Will Osula.

He insisted that Dubravka "won't leave" and hinted at a new deal or the Slovakian, revealing that the club are in talks over a new contract.

“We’re in discussions with Martin about a new contract. Hopefully there’ll be a swift conclusion there. He’s not sought any certainties on his place beyond trying to stay in the team and do well.”

On Osula, who has been tentatively linked with a loan move, Howe insisted the Dane will remain with the team and continue to develop his game behind the scenes.

Howe on potential ins and outs

Pressed for the club's stance on potential incomings, Howe played down our hopes of a late signing between now and Monday night's transfer deadline.

“We knew that this window - barring something huge happening that we didn’t expect - would be a window we didn’t recruit in,” Howe said. “I’ve said that from the outset and despite being linked with numerous players, that’s still the case. We’re not actively looking to recruit at this stage.”

Howe then added: "The phone has still been ringing [regarding signings] but it’s been ringing the other way! I’d imagine it’s frustrating for you guys [journalists] because it’s a big part of what you want to know and I’ve slammed the door shut on it every time. But that’s because we have not been looking."

Questions then turned to outgoings after reports linking Lloyd Kelly, Sean Longstaff and Matt Targett with moves away, where Howe isn't expecting any more departures: “As we stand, currently, I don’t,” Howe said of potential exits. “Things can change. As we stand at the moment, I expect the squad to remain the same.”

Targett's link to Leeds has been played down and it seems unlikely Longstaff leaves this month, but Kelly continues to attract interest after reported interest from Marseille and Borussia Dortmund.

£10m exit leaves us "light"

Howe insisted that Miguel Almiron's move to Atlanta United "suits the club and suits Miggy", but it's a departure that leaves us "light" in attack.

On Almiron's exit and being left light down the right, Howe said: “It’s probably not ideal for us in this moment to be light in this position, but it is what it is. We’ll look at solutions and players in different positions if we need to. It’s my job to find solutions if it happens.”

The boss also added that Almiron's exit was PSR-driven. “(It was) PSR-related. We're stretched in that area, but it's a deal we needed to do."

With Jacob Murphy currently our only available right-winger and Harvey Barnes still a few weeks away from returning, hopefully there are no more injuries in the coming weeks and Murphy's consistent form continues.