‘Not ideal’ - Newcastle United transfer strategy slammed by pundit as key players edge towards exit

Former Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton has doubts about whether Eddie Howe will be impressed with Newcastle United’s transfer activity. Toon CEO Darren Eales revealed a fortnight ago that Newcastle might need to offload players to create “headroom” for Financial Fair Play. As it stands, the Magpies have little room on the balance sheet for new arrivals.

Reports have linked several Newcastle players with moves away in recent days. Callum Wilson, Kieran Trippier, Miguel Almiron and Jamaal Lascelles are all rumoured targets for foreign clubs.

Many fans hoped the days of selling to buy were vanquished as soon as Mike Ashley packed his bags from St James’ Park. However, financial governance, namely the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, means Newcastle’s hands are tied despite having owners worth $700billion.

Ex-Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Rangers right-back Hutton believes Newcastle’s potential outgoing would be “amazing” for the balance sheet but deal a problem for Howe. He told Football Insider: “Financially for Newcastle, it (selling Almiron) will be an amazing move. We speak about the Financial Fair Play rules and it looks like Newcastle are going to have to sell before they bring somebody new in.

“I just think, when you’re looking at Kieran Trippier, Jamaal Lascelles, Callum Wilson, I’ve heard whispers as well about all of these players being sold. They’re trying to build for the future but they’re potentially selling some of their best players - it’s not good.

“Almiron will be an interesting one because he’s 29 now, so you can understand why they’d sell him. But from Eddie Howe’s view, it’s not ideal losing key players in the squad.”