Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says there have been no ‘assurances’ of funds for January signings
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe says he is unlikely to be able to solve his side’s poor form and injury woes in the January transfer window.
Howe explained he has been given no “assurances” he will have funds to spend in the new year.
The Magpies’ slump has seen them lose six of their past seven games in all competitions and exit both the Champions League and the Carabao Cup.
“January is always a difficult month,” said Howe.
“We haven’t had those assurances [about funds]. I apologise if I sound like I’m saying the same things, but it is a very difficult month to bring in quality players.
“Financial Fair Play continues to play a part in our decision-making, so let’s wait and see.”
Howe’s squad has been depleted by injuries, with no update on Harvey Barnes’ foot injury or Joe Willock’s Achilles, but he said they are both “working behind the scenes”.
Jacob Murphy and Elliot Anderson are also sidelined, while £55m summer signing Sandro Tonali has been banned from football for 10 months for breaching betting rules.
But Howe added that Jamaal Lascelles’ injury is not too serious.
Newcastle have lost their two most recent encounters, to Luton Town and Nottingham Forest, and travel to Anfield to face Premier League leaders Liverpool in a tough New Year’s Day encounter.
Howe added that Jurgen Klopp’s side are “intense and unrelenting” and that his team will need to be “near perfect” in order to win.
Newcastle currently sit ninth in the table, having finished fourth last season, and Howe acknowledged the criticism he has recently received after the disappointing results.
“I’m always in the spotlight and criticism is part of this job. It goes hand in hand with it,” he said.
“It just goes with the territory. I’ve learned to accept and understand that and – no disrespect – but to blank it out and make sure I help the players. That hasn’t changed for me.”
