‘I’m capable’ - Eddie Howe makes Newcastle United summer transfer promise

Eddie Howe is prepared to take on extra responsibility during the summer transfer window - with a technical director no closer to being appointed.

Brighton and Hove Albion’s Dan Ashworth has been selected as the man to fill the key position, however getting him to Tyneside is proving trickier than anticipated.

Ashworth has already agreed to join the Magpies and as a result been placed on gardening leave on the south coast. But, a compensation package is yet to be accepted by Albion.

Should the situation continue to be unresolved, United may have to wait until November before Ashworth is free to take up the post at St James’ Park.

Howe was a part of a four-man transfer committee, also featuring co-owner Amanda Staveley, assistant head coach Jason Tindall and chief scout Steve Nickson.

Together, they were able to add Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes, Matt Targett and Dan Burn to the playing squad.

Heading into the summer, it was hoped United would have the input of the experienced Ashworth but as it stands, Howe & Co are again set to fill the void.

Howe called the appointment a “matter of urgency” but won’t shy away from any extra workload during what is expected to be, much like January, a busy summer of recruitment.

“Whatever the situation is, I can adapt and overcome,” Howe insisted.

“I said when I first came in, appointing a sporting director is a matter of urgency for the club because we need those structures that help the club improve.

“We have a lot of improving to do behind the scenes to get to be the club we want to be, and that’s in all areas. We want to build the club and to do that, you need the right people and right appointments.

“But, in the meantime, I’m more than capable of doing things in the transfer window.

“The outcome (of January) has been very successful, and I enjoyed the process of how we got to that outcome.

“Everyone did a really good job. I’m more than happy to do that again.”