While Howe has been seeking to play down expectations ahead of next month, stressing the extent to which the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules continue to limit the Magpies’ ability to make signings, there is nevertheless an ongoing desire to sign a new right-sided forward.
Multiple media outlets in Belgium and the Netherlands have reported that Newcastle have held talks over Bakayoko, a 21-year-old Belgium international who is valued at around £40m.
It has been suggested that PSV are willing to do business next month if the Magpies come up with an acceptable offer, but Howe has denied that anything is close, claiming that internal discussions over the January window remain at a formative stage.
“That’s not the reality (that a deal for Bakayoko is close),” said Howe. “We’re not close to sealing any transfer or closing in on any player. For me, the discussions on January have been very loose.
“It’s been very loose discussions, there hasn’t been many discussions in great depth on January, and that’s because we’ve got a lot of games and our focus is on the matches, and we’re restricted to a degree on what we can and can’t do.
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“I don’t think that’s our main focus at the moment, it’s certainly not mine anyway. But of course, we’re aware that January’s coming around the corner, and we’ll need to be reactive and ready to do certain things, I’m sure.”
There is a good chance Newcastle will look to sell Miguel Almiron next month, but while Howe admitted he could not rule out possible departures in January, he continues to insist that Almiron remains an important part of his plans despite the Paraguayan’s lack of first-team involvement this season.
“Miggy’s still absolutely Miggy, in every way,” said Howe, ahead of tomorrow’s game at Ipswich Town. “I mean that as an absolute compliment – smiley, happy, focused, professional, an unbelievable guy.
“I can’t praise his professionalism enough this season, which has been a difficult season for him because he hasn’t had the minutes that he would have wanted. But he’s never lacked in anything he’s delivered for us, and I know he’s ready to play if needed.
“I think again the other night, when he came on (against Brentford), he showed his qualities. I never doubted his qualities for a second.
“Yes, there’s been a lot of speculation over Miggy’s future for a while now, but I think all I’d ever say to any player who’s contracted here and absolutely loved like Miggy is, then my only focus is on Miggy being here and showing him the respect that he’s deserved for his contribution to Newcastle.”