Eddie Howe and Yasir Al-Rumayyan have held face-to-face talks regarding the summer transfer window.
Eddie Howe’s side started the day fourth in the Premier League table knowing a win against the Toffees would guarantee a top-five finish.
Chelsea’s 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest meant they climbed above Newcastle, who, after falling behind to Carlos Alcaraz’s goal, sat outside the Champions League places for 11 minutes until Amad Diallo gave Man United the lead against Villa.
Christian Eriksen then doubled the Red Devils’ lead from the penalty spot as the Magpies clinched fifth position on goal difference.
Eddie Howe holds transfer talks with Yasir Al-Rumayyan
Newcastle chairman Yasir Al Rumayyan and fellow Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia representatives were in attendance at St James’ Park, with Howe confirming after the game that a transfer meeting was immediately due to take place.
The return to Europe’s top table is a huge financial boost and makes Newcastle a far more attractive destination ahead of the summer transfer window.
Howe said: “I will have a discussion with the chairman and representatives from PIF today so looking forward to that, trying to lay some foundations for what lies ahead for the summer.
“In terms of timings and everything that follows that, I don't know. But the planning and all the things going on behind the scenes has been there for a number of weeks. We've been working hard to try and set things up for what we need to do.
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“I think the chairman, whenever I speak to him, is very focused on success and achieving and winning. And he always leaves me in no doubt that that's what he wants. So, I'm working towards it.”
Eddie Howe urges Newcastle United to act fast in summer transfer window
Before heading to the meeting with Al-Rumayyan & Co, Howe stressed that the club must be prepared to act fast in the transfer window or risk missing out on top targets.
Premier League clubs will be able to recruit from June 1 until June 10 ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup before the window re-opens on June 16 and closes on September 1.
Howe said: “Yeah, speed is key for us, and I've reiterated that many times internally. Speed is key because we have to be dynamic. We have to be ready to conclude things very, very quickly because good players don't hang around for long.
“That's always been my thought and my message on recruitment, really, because you can have a period where you think you've got time, but then you can look around very quickly and realise that that time's elapsed and you've missed opportunities that you won't get again.
“So that's what we'll be trying. But obviously, the reality of that is it's not always in your hands, but we'll be doing our best to do things early.”
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