Pep Guardiola has been discussing Jack Grealish's future at Manchester City.
Newcastle United's interest in Jack Grealish has been played down by those close to the Man City star.
Widespread reports in the Sunday papers and on national radio have raised the suggestion that Grealish is a target of the Magpies. A knock down fee of £60million has been made clear at the Etihad Stadium with a loan with a hefty fee also possible.
At St James' Park, club chiefs are aware that the names of clubs with stature are being used to help push Grealish's City exit. However, Newcastle being linked with stars by agents is something the Magpies have grown used to since the takeover.
The England international pockets £300,000 per week with his current wages not in keeping with Newcastle's structure. It would take Man City to step up and pay a major portion of Grealish's pay packet for a loan to be even considered and the Citizens would take some persuading to be so charitable to one of their rivals.
Although City are keen to move Grealish on after Pep Guardiola accepted his future was no longer at the Etihad Stadium. Everton and Leeds have also been linked but could face similar problems on wages.
Howe has admiration for Grealish but when asked about the prospect in January, he told Chronicle Live: "Financially? [are we able to sign a player like that?]. I don't believe currently we have."
As Newcastle enter the current window with funds to spend, the fact the Magpies must cut their cloth accordingly has not changed. A left winger is also not Howe's priority as he eyes a right-sided forward, a striker, a centre-back and a goalkeeper.
Speaking about Grealish towards the end of last season, Guardiola said: "Jack is an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days. And it didn't happen this season, and last season neither. And he needs to do it with us, or another place.
"But that is a question for Jack, his agent, and the club. If he stays, we'll be fine, and he'll fight like he fought since day one to make a contribution."
Here at ChronicleLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Newcastle United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest NUFC news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.
And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Everything is Black and White podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube