Eddie Howe sends strong message to Newcastle United fans frustrated with January transfer business

Eddie Howe shares Newcastle United fans’ frustrations on the transfer front after failing to land a new signing before the Leeds United game.

Following the early arrivals of Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood, the Magpies have swiftly been reminded of the difficulties that the January transfer window brings.

A fresh bid for Sevilla central defender Diego Carlos was rejected, while an approach for Jesse Lingard has also been knocked by Manchester United.

Both players are keen on a move to St James’ Park, Lingard - if it’s a loan, however the Red Devils don’t want to loan a player with just five-month left on his contract.

READ MORE: La Liga expert Graham Hunter discusses Newcastle’s interest in Diego Carlos

United are also understood to have enquired about other players around Europe but continue to be quoted inflated price tags.

The lack of signings this week has seen some fans voice their frustration on social media ahead of the market slamming shut in 11 days’ time.

Howe understands why supporters might be a little disgruntled as he issued a strong, united, message.

‘We all want the same thing’

The 43-year-old told NewcastleWorld: “I understand and share their frustration because ultimately all they want to see is a successful team. I’ve got no issue with that at all.

“The only thing I ever will ask of the Newcastle supporters is to back the team in competition when we’re playing, right up until the first whistle to the last, which they have done in every game since I’ve been here.

“For me, the reaction of the crowd has been a huge, huge positive. We all want the same thing, that’s the key thing. I want what they want. And so do the players.

“It’s that united effort that is going to be the key thing for us and as long as we keep that unity, we’ll be fine.

“The transfer window and the hype that is created around it sometimes is bigger than the actual reality. You just need to keep everything into perspective.

“It’s been a fruitless search this week (in the transfer window).

“We know we’re against the deadline and we’re desperately trying to improve the squad and working very hard behind the scenes.”

‘We’ve been working tirelessly

Howe has vowed to fight until the last day of the transfer window to ensure new signings are finalised.

But until then, he insists the focus remains on the current crop of players on Tyneside, who take on Leeds at Elland Road tomorrow.

Howe said: “Usually, late in the window, you’ll get a flurry of things done but you never quite know from year to year how that;’s going to unfold this year.

“But certainly, we’ll be trying to add to the squad right until the last day.

“We’ve been working behind the scenes tirelessly.

“Every department that is associated with recruitment, trust me, has been doing every hour, every minute to try and get the right outcome for the football club.

“I have said all along in January and before, the main focus should never go off the players we have already in the building.

“They’re the players taking on Leeds tomorrow and they’re the people that are going to make the difference if we can add support to them then brilliant.

“It’s so important we don’t take our focus off the players we have.”