Eddie Howe & Fabrizio Romano make fresh Newcastle United transfer claim - 48 hours to deadline
Eddie Howe has poured cold water on hopes of Newcastle United making a signing in the final 48 hours of the transfer window.
The Magpies lost 2-1 to Fulham at St James’ Park on Saturday as Howe highlighted his lack of attacking options on the bench. Miguel Almiron re-joined Atlanta United on Thursday while Callum Wilson and Harvey Barnes missed the game through injury.
But asked if the result could spark transfer action, Howe said: “No, nothing we can do [in the transfer window]. The window will be what it is. Certainly the results won’t change that.”
Newcastle have gone three consecutive transfer windows without bolstering the starting XI, but Howe is refusing to use “staleness” as an excuse after losing to Fulham.
Howe said: “To be honest, I think we just have to tell you individually we weren't anywhere near our best levels today. Collectively, the same. Huge frustration for me because I saw today as a great opportunity in lots of different ways to continue our good feeling and momentum.
“It's just the general level of performance, individually and collectively, that leaves me frustrated because there's so much more in our tank and so much more we can deliver.”
What about outgoings?
Howe told the media on Friday he doesn’t expect any further departures before Monday’s 11pm deadline but Fabrizio Romano has claimed Juventus have been in contact over Lloyd Kelly.
The 26-year-old joined United on a free transfer from AFC Bournemouth in the summer but has been limited to just four Premier League starts. Kelly was used as a late substitute in the defeat to Fulham, replacing Lewis Hall at left-back.
Posting on X, Romano said before the game. “Juventus have made contact again with Newcastle for Lloyd Kelly as centre back, looking for new CB on the market.”
After the game, he said: “Juventus and Newcastle, in contact today for Lloyd Kelly deal.”
Speaking about Kelly recently, Howe said: “I’ve seen a little bit of the speculation on Lloyd. We've certainly not had any bid anywhere close to making the club make a decision on that."Lloyd's an integral part of what we're doing from my perspective.
“His challenge is to try and work his way into the team. He's only just arrived, so I think he's got a lot to achieve here. So, a very different situation."