It’s six words everyone associated with Newcastle are sick of hearing but Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) continue to restrict the club’s spending.
What will likely be key to anyone arriving next month is player sales. Miguel Almiron and Martin Dubravka are the latest players to be linked with exits but there is no certainty over what will happen.
“I think everything has got to align,” Howe said when asked what will need to happen in January to secure a new signing. “I think there has got to be a lot of things that come together for us to do that.
“As I've said many times, it's not through a lack of desire or want from me or anyone connected with the club to do that but it's got to be right, not just for the here and now but for the future as well.
“We've got to be responsible to make sure any decision we make doesn't affect us in future windows as well.”
Right, that’s the reality but if Christmas isn’t a time to have a little bit of fun then when is it?! Here’s how a new-look Newcastle United starting XI could look - based on recent rumours:
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1. GettyImages-2186936930 (1)
Getty Images
2. GK: Nick Pope
Pope is currently sidelined with a knee injury but is expected to be handed an immediate recall when he returns mid-January. | Getty Images
3. RB: Tino Livramento
Livramento has established himself as Newcastle's first choice right-back and recently broke into the England squad. And you still feel he has lots of room to develop. | Getty Images
4. CB: Marc Guehi
A January move for Guehi appears unlikely, but that's not to say Newcastle don't remain interested after attempting to sign him in the summer. | Getty Images