Eddie Howe fields interesting Newcastle United transfer questions from Portuguese media

Newcastle United missed out on lifting the Eusebio Cup on Tuesday night after losing a five-goal thriller to Benfica.

The Magpies gave a strong account of themselves against Champions League opposition as they twice equalised in the first half through Miguel Almiron.

Eddie Howe’s side looked set to take the Portuguese giants to penalties until the game turned on Joelinton’s 78th-minute red card.

Down to 10 men, United were unable to hold out with Roger Schmidt’s side netting late winner through Henrique Araujo.

When Howe sat down in the Estadio da Luz press room at full-time, the Portuguese media were keen to put their questions forward.

And what they wanted to know was, are Newcastle interested in signing players to the Portuguese league?

Certainly, Howe did not rule out the possibility but also stressed that United are exploring all avenues.

“I think it is a very strong and good league,” Howe responded.

“Technically you could see from Benfica’s style of play and the high technical style of their players that they’d be very suited to the Premier League.

“Of course, we are looking around Europe and the World to find the best players for Newcastle.

“I wouldn’t say no to not looking in that area. We will have to wait and see.”

He added: “I’d never comment on individual players, I don’t think that’s right. It’s disrespectful to the club that the player represents.

“We’ll do our business in private. There are many Portuegsuse teams and players we are looking at to find the best ones to make us better.”

Back to the local media and Howe was asked if there was any transfer update.

Howe said: “No update that I can give you currently. Work is still going on behind the scenes to try and strengthen the squad.

“But no, I’ve got nothing to give you, unfortunately.”

Newcastle face Atalanta and Athletic Bilbao in a double header at St James’ Park this weekend before hosting Nottingham Forest in the Premier League next Saturday.