‘We’re open’ - Eddie Howe confirms key Newcastle United transfer priority with 35 days remaining
Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento remain Newcastle United’s only first-team options at left-back and right-back.
Eddie Howe has confirmed that Newcastle United are in the market for a full-back this summer.
As it stands, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento are the only two first-team options at the club. Leo Shahar - an under-21 player - and winger Jacob Murphy have deputised at right-back in pre-season.
Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth and Matt Targett leaving have left a void for the Magpies to fill. NewcastleWorld previously reported that a versatile defender who can operate on both flanks is being targeted.
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‘Certainly an area’ - Eddie Howe
Newcastle have added a goalkeeper, two midfielders and a winger - all under the age of 20 - so far this summer. It is understood that Toon chiefs remain very much active in the market - with a more experienced goalkeeper also a priority.
When asked about the need for a new full-back, Howe told reporters: “Yeah, certainly that’s an area we need to look at. We knew coming into the transfer window that was an area of concern. We’re open to all positions.”
Eddie Howe post-match thoughts
Despite the brutal scoreline, Howe bizarrely claimed his team delivered a “strong performance” at Ashton Gate. To the naked eye, the Magpies failed to regularly test the hosts while looking vulnerable in defence.
"I actually thought it was a pretty strong performance, despite the fact that the goals we conceded were bizarre,” he added. “Pre-season is to get out all the rustiness of the summer, to get the players to a position where, when the team faces Liverpool, they're ready."