Paul Mitchell talks confirmed on Friday as Howe reveals summer transfer stance
It promises to be a big summer at Newcastle United, with lots to sort from an incoming and outgoing perspective.
We currently have eight players out of contract at the end of the season, there'll be inevitable interest in Alexander Isak and there is an expectation we will FINALLY see a flurry of first-team signings after a few careful windows has eased our financial strain from a PSR perspective.
Eddie Howe has been discussing some of the above today, touching on a new deal that looks to be in the pipeline, his strong stance on keeping star players and hope of summer investment following another quiet January.
Mitchell in talks over new deal
One section of Howe's press conference this morning featured a question from Lee Ryder on Fabian Schar's future at the club.
The 33-year-old is, as things stand, at risk of leaving on a free transfer at the end of the season, but Howe revealed that sporting director Paul Mitchell has been in talks with Schar's representatives over a new deal.
Asked for an update on Schar's future, Howe said: "I know there has been discussions taking place between Paul Mitchell and Fabian's representatives.
"Fingers crossed we find a solution and we get to a situation where everyone is happy and Fabian can extend his stay with us." A positive message from the boss, who sounded hopeful of keeping Schar at the club.
While a young right-sided centre-back is clearly on our radar to eventually replace the former Swiss international, Schar still has plenty to offer and the experience to help any potential understudy develop.
Howe issues clear message on Isak, future growth and PSR boosts
After admitting there is no striker in the world he'd rather have than Alexander Isak, Howe insisted that the club "can't lose" our best players this summer in our bid to "move the team forward."
Howe is adamant that keeping our best players is vital to the club's success short-term and long-term growth, also pointing out that adding to the squad will be important this summer after PSR issues have limited incoming business for a "long time."
Asked about Isak's future, Howe said: “Linked to a number of other players really (not just Isak), but we have to try and keep our best players. It's crucial to our short term and our long term success.
“Sitting here as the manager of the football club I'd be saying that we need to keep the group together — and we also need to add in the other way.
“We haven't added in a long time, in various transfer windows. We know the reasons. But we need to move the team forward and we can't lose our best players in doing that."
Asked about PSR and ways to boost our spending power, Howe also added: "The stadium, income, sponsorship...all these things we need to grow."
