Eddie Howe drops subtle warning to Newcastle United players ahead of potential new signings in January

Eddie Howe has subtly warned his Newcastle United players of the repercussions facing them if signings are made in January.

The Magpies head into next month’s transfer window keen to bolster the playing squad in a bid to fight off Premier League relegation.

However, as outlined by former boss Steve Bruce in the summer, a full 25-man means some players will have to be left out entirely or be offloaded to other clubs.

Bruce struggled to move players on, which he hinted as a key reason for Joe Willock being the club’s only summer signing.

In the likelihood of new arrivals, Howe has called on his current crop of Toon players to prove they deserve a long-term future at St James’ Park.

What did Eddie Howe say about Newcastle’s 25-man squad?

Howe said: “I think we’d have to deal with those things on an individual basis.

“Of course, we have a squad limit with the 25-man squad, so there would need to be a balancing act there.

“You wouldn’t want players that are not available to pick because you’ve got too many numbers. That’s a dynamic we certainly need to look at, and make sure we get that right.

“As I’ve said all along, my focus is on the group of players we’ve got here, but obviously we’re at that stage where players have to impress me to be part of the club’s future. It’s a very simple equation.

“I’m looking at them every day in training, and in every match, and making assumptions and decisions based on what I see.

“From the players’ side, if they want to be part of the future of the club, then they have to perform well.”

What is Newcastle’s current 25-man squad?

Bruce named four goalkeepers in his 25-man squad in August with Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow sidelined.

Under-21s players, Elliot Anderson for example, do not need to be registered.

GOALKEEPERS: Karl Darlow, Martin Dubravka, Mark Gillespie, Freddie Woodman.

DEFENDERS: Ciaran Clark, Paul Dummett, Federico Fernandez, Emil Krafth, Jamaal Lascelles, Jamal Lewis, Javier Manquillo, Jacob Murphy, Matt Ritchie, Fabian Schar.

MIDFIELDERS: Miguel Almiron, Ryan Fraser, Isaac Hayden, Jeff Hendrick, Sean Longstaff, Jonjo Shelvey, Joe Willock.

FORWARDS: Joelinton, Dwight Gayle, Allan Saint-Maximin, Callum Wilson.

How can Eddie Howe make room in his 25-man?

With Dubravka and Darlow back fit, Howe hinted last week Freddie Woodman could leave on loan after almost joining Bournemouth in the summer.

Federico Fernandez, Emil Krafth, Isaac Hayden, Jeff Hendrick, Sean Longstaff and Dwight Gayle have rarely featured under Howe, so are technically fringe players at present.

In Howe’s words however, each player will be handed the opportunity to stake their claim ahead of a busy Christmas period.