Eddie Howe ‘laying the groundwork’ for ‘huge’ summer splurge after Newcastle transfer update – pundit
Newcastle may already be “laying the groundwork” ahead of a summer splurge after their “brilliant” recent form, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed Magpies recruitment chiefs could be “marking off a few names”.
Newcastle extended their unbeaten run to eight games with a 2-1 victory over Brighton on Saturday (5 March) – moving seven points clear of relegation danger.
According to the Times (5 March), the Magpies are planning a “huge first-team overhaul” with as many as seven players set to leave the club in the summer.
Miguel Almiron, Dwight Gayle, Jamaal Lewis, Isaac Hayden, Ciaran Clark, Emil Krafth, and Karl Darlow are all reportedly on the chopping block.
Whelan suggested the big spenders could already have half an eye on this summer’s incomings.
“I don’t think they’ll be counting their chickens too soon,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“But they’ve got themselves into a brilliant position with a big cushion. They know how to win games and hold onto leads now, and they’re in a great moment.
“They’ll be identifying what they need and laying the groundwork behind the scenes, maybe marking off a few names. If they can get a couple more wins, they’ll be breathing that little bit easier.
“Burnley are losing ground, Watford are losing ground, Leeds are losing ground, Norwich are as good as gone – they’ll be thinking about next season.
“They’ve taken a lot of pressure off themselves with these last nine games and they’ll be going into every match full of confidence.”
Newcastle spent almost £92million in January on no fewer than five additions (as per Transfermarkt).
The Magpies sit 14th in the Premier League.
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