As World Cup break looms, Howe won’t be drawn on Newcastle’s transfer window plans

NEWCASTLE: Eddie Howe refuses to be drawn on whether Newcastle United plans to dip into the transfer market come January.

The Qatar World Cup, which kicks off on Nov. 20, slap bang in the middle of the Premier League season, looks set to punctuate what has been an incredible start to the top-flight campaign for the Magpies.

Sitting comfortably in the top-six mix after 13 games, in fourth spot with 24 points from a possible 39, things could barely have gone much better for United.

Despite a net spend of more than $200million so far during the two transfer windows since the majority takeover of the club by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Howe has been credited with squeezing the absolute maximum performance out of what is largely the same core group of players who struggled with relegation trouble during the early part of last season.

Six of United’s 10 outfielders who took to the pitch in the 4-0 hammering of Aston Villa last weekend were at St James’ Park prior to the buyout last October. However, the impressive start to the season has not silenced speculation about possible new signings when the trading window opens after the World Cup.

While Howe is understood, as might be expected, to be keeping one eye on options for the window, he is in no mood to reveal his plans to anyone outside of the club.

“I’m not trying to dodge your question but I will because we haven’t had discussions on January yet,” he said when asked whether he would be actively looking for new signings at the turn of the year.

“We haven’t had internal discussions in terms of finances and how we look in the market. That’ll be a question for another day.

“At the moment, our focus is on the three games (that remain before the World Cup