Chief executive David Hopkinson insists Newcastle have no immediate plans to replace head coach Eddie Howe after a difficult season.
Newcastle "not looking to make a change" in the dugout
However, the new CEO stopped short of guaranteeing Howe will remain at the helm beyond the end of a campaign which has seen the Magpies struggle in the Premier League after reaching the knockout stage of the Champions League and the latter rounds of both the Carabao and FA Cups.
Speaking as the club released their latest financial figures, Hopkinson was asked about Howe’s future amid disquiet from sections of the club’s support in the wake of a bruising European exit in Barcelona and defeat to derby rivals Sunderland.
He said: “Eddie’s our manager. I expect to have a great run to the end of the season here and we’ll talk about the future when it’s time.”
eddie-howe-newcastle
Asked to clarify his comments, he added: “We are not looking to make a change at the moment. We are not having those conversations.
“We are still in the midst of the season. Right now, we are focused on the seven matches we have remaining and not distracting ourselves with speculation about what we may or may not do in the summer.”
Newcastle will return to Premier League action sitting 12th in the table, seven points adrift of the fifth place in which they finished last season and knowing a failure to secure European football for the new campaign could have significant impacts on both finances and personnel.
Eddie-Howe Related
Newcastle set to force Tottenham into sale of £50m star Eddie Howe loves on one major condition
More bad news for the Lilywhites...
If the Magpies do find themselves playing high level European football next season, they are in a healthy position to spend, especially if one of the many exit-linked players leave, and it seems a new striker could be first up on the agenda.
Indeed, neither of Nick Woltemade, who Howe has often preferred in midfield, or Yoane Wissa, who has struggled for minutes entirely, have truly stamped their authority on the number nine role this season.
And according to a report from Teamtalk, Newcastle have held talks over the signing of PSG striker Goncalo Ramos.
PSG forward Goncalo Ramos
The Portugal international has fallen down the pecking order in the French capital and is now "ready" to move to the Premier League, with Chelsea and Newcastle the two clubs in England contacted for talks.
The Magpies are known to be long-term admirers of the 24 year-old, who has still managed to find the back of the net eight times in all competitions this season despite limited playing time.
He will certainly have a big admirer in the Premier League from the off, with Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes claiming he is "one of the best strikers in the world".
Goncalo-Ramos-season-stats-timeless