Eddie Howe drops Newcastle United January transfer window exit hint

Eddie Howe has refused to rule out a player leaving Newcastle United in January, although insists it is his intention to keep his current squad together.

Garang Kuol officially completed his move to St James’ Park from Central Coast Mariners on January 1 but was immediately loaned out to Scottish Premiership sie Hearts in order to continue his rapid development.

Howe, though, does not plan to part company with any other senior player, but revealed how that could change.

“There is not a huge desire in me to sell anyone this window but, and there is always a but, it depends on what’s presented to you,” Howe told reporters ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash at home to Fulham.

“You can have an idea of keeping the group together then something comes left field that you or the club thinks is a good deal to do.

“Certainly, my intention is to develop what we have, rather than lose anybody.

“I don’t think we’re necessarily at the stage of being overloaded with numbers or overloaded with quality. That’s my intention as I sit here now.”

One position that is under the microscope is goalkeeper. After Newcastle recalled Martin Dubravka from his loan spell at Manchester United, the number of senior goalkeepers increased to five.

Nick Pope is the club’s No.1, while Howe said last week Dubravka won’t be departing, which leaves Loris Karius, Karl Darlow and Mark Gillespie.

Karius’ short-term deal is due to expire this month, with United yet to announce whether or not he’ll be offered an extension.

“I don’t think they have to leave but we’ll have to wait and see what happens with that situation,” Howe said om the goalkeeping department. “ It’s probably a lot of goalkeepers to have.

“I think the key thing is, whatever position, you want every member of the squad to feel valued and potentially play a part in what you’re doing.

“If that isn’t the case for someone within that department, we’ll look at it and try and help them.”