Eddie Howe apologises to Alan Shearer after Newcastle United told to sign Liverpool target

Eddie Howe believes a move for Argentina World Cup star Enzo Fernandez would cost a fortune - after Alan Shearer jokingly said Newcastle United should sign the midfielder.

The 21-year-old won Young Player of the Tournament after helping his nation win their first World Cup since 1986 after a dramatic penalty shootout win over France.

When discussing Fernandez’s importance, Shearer was asked by presenter Gary Linker if he’d fancy seeing the Benfica star in a black and white shirt.

“Absolutely, yes,” replied Shearer. “See if he wants to play against Bournemouth on Tuesday night!”

Shearer’s response was put to Howe at this morning’s press conference, where he previewed tomorrow evening’s Carabao Cup last 16 encounter against the Cherries.

Howe sparked laughter inside the media room at United’s Benton training base by admitting he watched the final on a different channel to BBC.

“I didn’t hear that, I apologise to Alan,” Howe said. “I think I was on the other channel! That’s a mistake on my part.”

Howe, though, did admit to being aware of Fernandez but played down a move for the Liverpool-linked star. Reports from Portugal suggest Benfica have set his asking price at £100million.

“I’m aware of him, and I know him,” Howe said. “But I think the transfer fee might be quite lumpy.”

Asked in general about recruiting players from the World Cup, Howe said: “From a recruitment perspective, I don’t think you ever just analyse the World Cup and sign a player off the back of those performances. There is a huge body of work that goes into signing those players and it is never just off four weeks.

“That’s not to say we won’t use the World Cup as a recruitment tool and look at players. But just solely on those games, we wouldn’t do that.”