Newcastle United’s best players have been linked with a move away for what feels like an age now.
Despite never selling one of their truly top stars during the PIF era, there have been all manner of suggestions that Newcastle United could be forced to cash in at some point.
Thankfully, that’s not happened yet. In fact, Eddie Howe has admitted he’s frustrated about just how much speculation there has been in regard to his best players over the months and years.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, the Newcastle United manager said: “’It is a frustration, because I don’t see why our players are getting linked here, there and everywhere with other clubs.
“I’d like to think the players are happy here. I’d like to think 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.”
All of that makes comments from Miguel Delaney in his Reading the Game newsletter particularly interesting.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Rival clubs watching Newcastle United now
Delaney revealed that a host of clubs are “keenly watching” what is going to happen at Newcastle imminently.
He reports that rival clubs have developed plans depending on where the likes of Newcastle and Aston Villa finish in the Premier League. With only two games remaining, the answers will soon be revealed.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
It’s said that if Newcastle miss out on the Champions League, rival teams could move for the likes of Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak.
Thankfully, Howe’s side are in a strong position to claim a place in the top five. One win from their final two games should just about seal the deal.
Champions League door set to green light Newcastle United transfer moves
Newcastle could earn £17million by qualifying for the Champions League but the rewards on offer go far beyond even the obvious financial benefits.
Not only could reaching the grandest stage in European football help the club keep their top players long-term, it could help open doors to potential new transfer targets.
Indeed, Newcastle have been told their top targets this summer want Champions League football.
Get over the line in the race for the top five and Howe’s side could be set for a huge summer of recruitment.
Fall at the final hurdle, however, and it’s unclear what could lie ahead.