Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says the Magpies are on an “observation assignment” in the January transfer market with no major arrivals or departures expected any time soon.
The cautious approach stands in sharp contrast to this time last year when Howe brought in several new signings in January including Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn and Chris Wood who helped avoid relegation from the Premier League.
“We’re working hard at the moment to keep in touch with the market and players a lot, but we’re not close to signing anyone, we’re not actively bidding for players at the moment,” said Howe, who ruled out a rumored loan move for Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay.
“January is not the best time to recruit – there is a much smaller pool of available players and prices may be higher as a result.
“Last year I thought we did exceptionally well in a difficult month, but this year we’re in a different position and we want to bring real quality to the group if we’re going to do anything, so it absolutely has to be the right player . “
Newcastle are third in the Premier League and in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup. Howe, whose side host Fulham on Sunday, said he’s happy with his first-team squad – and isn’t interested in losing anyone elsewhere.
“I don’t have a huge desire to sell this window to anyone but it always depends on what you’re presented with – something can come out of left field which the club thinks is a good thing,” he added.
“My intention is certainly to develop what we have rather than lose anyone – I don’t think we’re at a stage where we’re overloaded with quality or numbers.”
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