Eddie Howe has provided an update on transfer speculation surrounding the potential exits of several Newcastle stars.
Newcastle’s need to meet the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules have increased rumours regarding potential exirts this month, after the Magpies posted losses of £73m for the 2022/23 campaign.
Callum Wilson, Kieran Trippier and Miguel Almiron have all been linked with leaving St James’ Park this month, with the former understood to be attracting interest from a number of Premier League rivals.
“It’s been a strange one. A lot of speculation and a lot of it unfounded,” Howe said on Wilson at his pre-match press conference, ahead of Newcastle’s FA Cup fourth-round tie at Fulham.
“From our side, he’s a huge part of what we do. We’re desperate to get our two strikers fit again. He’s nearing a return and looks good. He’s getting there. There’s no part of me that wants to lose him.
“In every conversation, he’s 100 per cent committed. No part of him is looking elsewhere. He’s got big ambitions and we want to keep him here. But some things are out of our control. The club is acting with the long-term interests of the club and they have to. Let’s see what happens.”
Trippier has been subject of an approach from Bayern Munich this month, though Newcastle have turned down a loan approach from the German champions. Howe insists the England right-back remains committed to the club and believes the situation with Bayern is ‘finished’.
“A few things to say on Kieran’s situation. We hope he will stay and we’re very confident he will be part of our long-term future.
“But I have to make it clear he has never asked to leave or even questioned his future here. We’ve had conversations in the last week and it’s always been about Newcastle.
“It’s important I make that clear. His commitment to Newcastle shouldn’t be questioned. I don’t think it has been a difficult week [for Trippier]. It’s a huge compliment that a club like Bayern are interested.
“I want to keep our best players, I want to keep every player in our squad that is very thin on the ground now. His situation [with Bayern] is finished as far as everyone is concerned.
“I’ve been in football long enough to never say never because I don’t want to look stupid but Kieran is fully committed.”
On Miguel Almiron, who has been linked with the Saudi Pro League, Howe said he was keen to keep the winger at St James’ Park.
“There has been a lot of noise and speculation about his future, but as his manager I’m desperate to keep him.
“He has been an integral part since I’ve come to the club in a sense of his contribution has been immense, whether that’s goalscoring last season or work rate, discipline and professionalism all throughout.
“There has been a lot of noise and that noise does come from somewhere but hopefully we can keep him when the window shuts.”
