Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali have been linked with Newcastle United exits in recent months.
Eddie Howe has conceded that constant transfer speculation is detrimental to Newcastle United.
Speaking to reporters this morning, the Toon boss backed Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon amid the ongoing noise surrounding their futures. Both Toon stars have been linked with summer exits in recent weeks.
Tonali’s agent, Beppe Riso, has gone public on several occasions to suggest a St James’ Park exit is likely. As for Gordon, reports earlier this week claimed he is also angling to leave Newcastle.
A dismal run on form as the backdrop has also poured fuel on the fire of negativity emanating around Tyneside. Howe has claimed both players are committed - and he would not play either if they were not.
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Eddie Howe backs Newcastle United duo
“I discuss things with players all the time,” Howe said. “I don't necessarily discuss transfer speculation unless I feel it's got to a point where I have to. After I had the chat with Sandro, I think the biggest thing I look for is the commitment to training because I think if I see the commitment to the training ground work, the player will perform.
“That will be the same with Anthony. That will be the same with every player. One thing I'm not going to do is play a player, any player, if I don't feel they're 100 per cent committed to the club and to its future. Because that commitment, that resolve, what the player gives the team has to be total.
“I'm not talking about Anthony here, I'm talking generally across the board. I've always got to do what I think is right for the team and I'll continue to do that.”
‘It comes with the territory’ - Eddie Howe
Howe accepted that transfer rumours are part and parcel of managing a Premier League club. Doubling down on his “100 per cent commitment” claim, the Toon boss added: “I think that comes with the territory. Your best players will be the ones that are linked with high-profile moves.
“It's certainly not helpful to us. It's certainly not something that we encourage or that we want. We want players who are 100 per cent focused with no outside noise.
“Outside noise can affect people in different ways. And those players that you mentioned are all super professional. They're great players in their own right. We need them to make the difference on the pitch.
“I'd say the same to all the players. We need our best players. We need all our players playing at their very best level. And I think that's the challenge for every person that walks onto the pitch.”
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