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Newcastle: George Caulkin confident over signings this month
Despite Eddie Howe and Newcastle United’s owners having differing views on the need for signings, George Caulkin is confident business will get done.
The Lowdown: Newcastle need new signings
Following the departure of Chris Wood, Jonjo Shelvey’s injury and the initial fitness scare for Bruno Guimaraes, it shows how light Newcastle are when only a couple of players aren’t available.
The Magpies currently have an out-of-form Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak – who’s still adapting to the league – to call upon through the middle, so a new striker could well be near the top of their agenda.
Howe has spoken openly about how he believes the squad needs more bodies as they are thin in certain areas of the pitch, but given Financial Fair Play regulations are looming large, any deals will have to make sense for the club.
The Latest: Howe and PIF perhaps not seeing eye to eye
Caulkin claimed on Pod on the Tyne that PIF do not believe new signings are necessary this month, while Howe is of the opinion that they certainly are, which may cause some tension over the remaining days of the window.
He said: “The way they [PIF] view it is they don’t need to do something this month, but they want to, and they hope to if possible. So that is the view.
“I think Eddie Howe would have a slightly different view; I think he would say that they do need to do something, but at this point, I’d be confident of something happening.”
The Verdict: New bodies should arrive this month
While Newcastle’s owners are being sensible and not looking to hinder themselves for later transfer windows, it could be a smart move to act this month and ensure Howe has the tools at his disposal to secure a top-four finish – which he deserves given the turnaround he’s masterminded on Tyneside.
As things stand, Newcastle are just one injury to someone such as Wilson, Isak or Guimaraes from being in a crisis, as they have very few options in the midfield and striking departments.
Therefore, bringing in someone such as Anthony Gordon, who can play in a number of positions, would make a lot of sense, especially given his age profile. However, it is thought that PIF simply won’t be going anywhere near the reported £60m price tag Everton are demanding, so it is easy to see why there could be disagreements behind the scenes.
