Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has hit back against rumours linking his players with moves to other Premier League clubs.
The Magpies have enjoyed a successful season, ending a 70-year wait for domestic silverware by lifting the Carabao Cup, and now look poised to secure a spot in next season's Champions League.
However, the summer transfer window threatens to disrupt that progress, with several key players attracting interest from elsewhere.
Among those being linked with a departure is star forward Alexander Isak, who has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for both Arsenal and Liverpool. Despite the speculation, Newcastle are in a far stronger financial position this summer and, with European football almost secured, they are under no pressure to sell.
If they do decide to part with any players, they can expect to demand substantial fees. Howe admitted the constant transfer talk can be frustrating, but said he tries not to get too caught up in the ever spinning rumour mill.
"It is a frustration because I don't see why our players are getting linked here, there and everywhere with other clubs," Howe told reporters on Friday. "I'd like to think the players are happy here.
"I'd like to think again that they're seeing us grow and develop into a team that hopefully can compete at the top end of the division. We have no divine right to do that, but I think we're going in the right direction, so yes, it's a source of frustration. But I don't let it absorb me, really."
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe (Image: Getty Images)
Building on those comments, Howe also addressed the club’s position regarding the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). He confirmed that Newcastle are looking to strengthen, not weaken, their squad this summer, with the aim of competing across all four fronts.
"As we've said many times, the ability financially to compete the last few years has been hampered by PSR," Howe concluded. "But those issues aren't there for the coming window, so I don't see any reason why we can't strengthen, not weaken ourselves."
Join the football.london Arsenal WhatsApp channel
Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
Join our Arsenal WhatsApp channel and get all the latest breaking news, opinion, podcasts and in-depth stories from football.london's dedicated Arsenal writers straight to your phone!
By following this free service you will be the first to know the news from the Emirates Stadium as it happens, when it happens.
To join our dedicated Arsenal channel, all you have to do is click this link and you can join thousands of others following our Gunners coverage!
If you're curious, you can check out our privacy policy here.