Eddie Howe receives Saudi PIF support ahead of summer summit - David Ornstein

Eddie Howe's future at Newcastle United has been the big talking point following Sunday's dismal 2-1 defeat away to Crystal Palace.

Some report that there is uncertainty around his position after a loss that saw us drop to 14th, pundit Paul Merson claims it would be 'ridiculous' to sack him, while fan opinion is more split than ever before.

With six games left to save our season, there is a feeling that upcoming results will reflect Howe's ability, or inability, to turn things around between now and late May.

However, for now, it sounds like the boss still retains the support from above, despite increasingly calls for him to depart following Sunday's collapse at Selhurst Park.

Ornstein issues Howe update

The Athletic's David Ornstein reports that Newcastle United's owners 'continue to support' Eddie Howe and will evaluate his long-term position at the club this summer.

With just three wins in our last 11 games, along with a derby defeat to Sunderland, Champions League battering at Barcelona and another late collapse on Sunday, the pressure is on.

But, for now at least, there are no plans to relieve the 48-year-old of his duties, even if 'questions have been raised' over his long-term future following this season's clear underperformance, particularly in the Premier League.

Ornstein adds that 'no serious conversations' have taken place as of yet about a change in the dugout, even if an end-of-season review is imminent. Instead, there is still a belief that Howe commands huge respect behind the scenes and could still be part of the club's evaluation process.

Final six games key

For many, Newcastle's season is all but done. We're 14th, our form has fallen off a cliff, we can't hold on to a lead and St James' Park is in danger of becoming toxic after recent defeats to Sunderland, Everton, Brentford and Aston Villa.

A win at Crystal Palace would've kept our European hopes very much alive, yet the final six games now feel vital in shaping where we go next from a managerial perspective.

Failure to get a response out of the group in the coming weeks, show a plan B or improve our previously strong home form could send ominous signals to PIF ahead of this summer's review. Alongside that, should it turn toxic at home, Howe himself may wonder if and end-of-season parting of ways may be best.

But, should Howe and the players pick themselves up off the canvas and rally over our final six games, starting with Bournemouth on Saturday, it seems that all parties could move forward together this summer, should end-of-season talk show everyone remains on the same page.