‘Good for them’ - The Newcastle United view on Cody Gakpo’s £35m move to Liverpool

Eddie Howe believes Liverpool have signed a “top player” in Cody Gakpo - but insists it won’t impact Newcastle United’s transfer plans.

Jurgen Klopp’s side wasted no time in tieing up a deal for the 23-year-old after he starred for the Netherlands at the Qatar World Cup.

Gakpo will officially join the Reds on January 1 for a reported £35million from PSV. Klopp hopes his arrival will spark a strong second half to the campaign in the Merseyside club’s quest for a Champions League spot.

Asked if Liverpool have “thrown down the gauntlet” by signing Gakpo, Howe replied: “They’ve acted and signed a top player. Good for them but it doesn’t impact anything from our perspective.

“We know that people will move in the market, it’ll be interesting to see how January unfolds for a lot of teams this year and see how fluid the market is.

“Certainly, last year we signed some very good players but we found it a difficult market to manoeuvre in. It’s not an ideal time to do too much business.”

Speaking about Newcastle’s own January transfer plans, the Magpies head coach admitted Jonjo Shelvey’s calf injury, which is set to keep him sidelined for six to eights weeks, could force a re-think.

Before the Shelvey blow, Howe played down expectations of lavish spending having spent £210million last January and in the summer.

“That’s something we’re reflecting on and analysing on a daily basis,” Howe said. “We’ll have a look at it, have a look at our squad.

“It’s a forever changing thing, day by day. So yeah, I don’t think it’s forced any immediate reaction to say ‘we must do this’. No definite decision has been made, but I think we’ll reflect (on it).”

Howe says that Financial Fair Play remains a key factor and insists any business done in January could impact the club’s summer plans.

He added: “If you’re looking to improve the team, the starting XI as it is if we have no injuries, then that is a challenge in the market currently.

“Again, with an unlimited budget, that might be possible. With a, not that we necessarily have a budget at the moment, but with Financial Fair Play looming and with those restrictions, it’s almost impossible. Then you’re looking at the squad and can you improve the squad? Now that’s a different question.

“Anything we do in January then potentially harms us for the summer. So there is always another window coming up and what you don’t want to do is handcuff yourself for future windows. So there’s a lot to consider."