'What on earth' - pundit reveals why he 'feels sorry' for Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe

Former Blackburn Rovers striker Chris Sutton believes Eddie Howe will be frustrated with the “uncertainty” regarding several Newcastle United players.

Toon CEO Darren Eales admitted a fortnight ago that the Magpies may be forced to offload players to create “headroom” for Financial Fair Play. Despite boasting the richest owners in world football, Newcastle are hamstrung by their balance sheet.

Reports suggesting United players are on the move have been rife since Eales’ interview, with Bayern Munich’s failed attempt for Kieran Trippier the most notable. Saudi Pro League club Al-Shabab are also considering an approach for Miguel Almiron while Callum Wilson is linked with Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and AC Milan.

The media frenzy has hardly been ideal preparation for an FA Cup clash against Fulham this weekend. Newcastle know the world’s oldest cup competition remains the only plausible chance for Howe to end their 69-year domestic trophy drought.

Beating Sunderland in the last round gave the Magpies a confidence boost but they face a sterner test at Craven Cottage, with Fulham reeling from their Carabao Cup exit to Liverpool.

Speaking to BBC Sport, ex-Blackburn, Chelsea and Celtic striker Sutton admitted he “feels sorry” for Howe amid the transfer speculation - while predicting a 2-1 defeat for Newcastle in the capital. He said: “What on earth is happening at Newcastle? I keep reading reports that they are about to sell half their team.

“I feel sorry for Magpies boss Eddie Howe because of the uncertainty over the future of some of his key players but I don't see things going well for him at Craven Cottage either. Fulham are the kind of team who can turn it on at times and they are going to throw everything they've got at Newcastle.”