Howe hints at big summer and is asked if £55m signings could return

After offering an injury update this morning ahead of Monday's trip to Leicester, Eddie Howe took plenty of questions about our plans heading into the summer.

He admitted Sean Longstaff faces an uncertain future and shared his delight at Fabian Schar's new deal, but also commented on our PSR situation and the prospect of big-money moves.

It's Paul Mitchell's first full summer transfer window on Tyneside and it promises to be a busy one, with the club expected to target a young goalkeeper, centre-back, right-winger and striker at the very least.

Howe expecting very different summer

Eddie Howe hinted that Newcastle approach the summer in a far healthier position, feeling the upcoming transfer window should have a "totally different view" to last years.

Talk of budgets and top targets can wait for now, the boss' words paint a positive picture; and it's no surprise we have some room for manoeuvre after failing to bring in a major first-team signing over the past few windows.

Asked about our position, Howe said: "I'd like to think we are in a better position regarding PSR and that's the key thing. We knew last summer was going to be very difficult - and it turned out that way. So hopefully this summer has a totally different view."

Big signings to come?

In this morning's press conference, one journalist asked if we could see more 'high-profile' signings arrive this summer, namechecking Sandro Tonali's £55m move from AC Milan as the last one over 18 months ago.

In response, Howe explained why Tonali was a "tough transfer" to complete, also revealing that our ability to offer Champions League football helped "massively."

That is perhaps a hint at what may be needed to repeat that feat, although the boss insisted that we will target the best player for the position; whether that means signing a big name or young talent to fit what we're looking for.

Howe said: "With Sandro it was a tough transfer. We had to get everyone to agree. That includes Milan, Sandro, his representatives. It wasn't an easy deal to get over the line for such a high-profile player at such a big club.

"Of course, Champions League football helped our cause massively. But I don't know if you can look at any deal as an overview - you have to look at it in isolation.

"You have to look at it and go, 'We have this positional need. Who is the best player to fill it?' I don't think you can go in and go, 'It's not going to be a high-profile player or it's going to be a younger player'. You have to look at what you need in that position."

On the subject of European football, Howe also suggested that contract extensions could also be dictated by what tournament we're playing in next season, saying "Europe will play a part in that (keeping certain players for the squad)."

Howe insisted our squad strength next season must match the level of competition we're in, with Europa Conference League secured after our win at Wembley but Champions League football the aim as we eye a top five finish.