‘Hopefully’ - Eddie Howe drops transfer hint that will frustrate Newcastle United supporters

The Magpies were infamously left with eggs on their faces after failing to land Marc Guehi last summer. Crystal Palace’s reported £65million demands negated Newcastle interest despite the centre-back being their No.1 transfer target.

Toon chiefs ultimately kept the purse strings tight and gambled on the defensive situation despite Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles recovering from long-term injuries. This has proved a masterstroke, with Eddie Howe keeping the club fighting on all domestic fronts.

Newcastle remain in the Champions League race and are one step away from another Wembley final. However, attention has turned to the transfer window and, unfortunately for the Magpies, FFP/PSR restrictions continue to rear their head.

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Supporters have grown frustrated as United - unless a drastic change occurs - look set to go a third consecutive window without a major first-team signing. For now, outgoings are the focus, with Miguel Almiron the subject of a potential move to Atlanta United.

Many are questioning how funds are so tight given Newcastle pursued Guehi in the summer. Speaking to reporters, Toon boss Howe revealed signing the 24-year-old would have kicked a last-minute panic to sell players further down the road.

"There's not a pot of money there waiting to be spent," he said. "It is all about June 30 and making sure you comply with (PSR regulations) that date. Obviously, if you spend money, then you have to recoup it at a later date.

"I don't know if this summer will be different and suddenly the outlook totally changes. I think that's for another day. What I would say is that hopefully the future beyond looks very different."