Howe: Rivals made deals difficult

EDDIE HOWE has revealed Premier league rivals are making life difficult for newcastle in the transfer market, given the threat they now pose.

The magpies, third in the table and into the final of the Carabao Cup, were frustrated in their attempts to sign Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher and manchester United’s scott mcTominay last month. Domestic clubs made it clear that newcastle would have to pay a premium for any player — loan deals would certainly not be entertained — and, when asked if they were now seen as a threat, howe (right) said: ‘That’s your words, not mine. But yes, I think you are on the right lines. It is potentially difficult for us.

‘It depends on the player and on the club, but I think we are probably aware we are seen differently this season to how we were last season.’ newcastle signed anthony Gordon from everton for £40million and West ham defender harrison ashby arrived for £3m. however, howe has been left light in the middle of the park. he wanted to finish the window with six central midfielders but, following the sale of Jonjo shelvey to nottingham Forest and the failure to bring in another, he has been left with four.

That number has since been reduced to three with Bruno Guimaraes suspended for three matches after his red card against southampton on Tuesday. howe said: ‘losing Jonjo has been a concern for us. We have had a lot of discussions. We were active in the market but didn’t manage to get a deal for a midfielder over the line.’