Eddie Howe confirms Newcastle’s transfer plans and Champions League budget hopes

NEWCASTLE: Newcastle United have already started working on their summer recruitment plans, manager Eddie Howe has revealed, although he added that three different transfer strategies, and budgets, are being developed based on whether or not the club will be participating in European competition next season.

The Magpies take on West Ham United at the London Stadium on Wednesday, looking to make it four wins out of four in the Premier League and further cement their Champions League prospects. Newcastle sit third in the top flight after a 2-0 victory over fellow Champions League chasers Manchester United at St. James’ Park on Sunday.

They still have 11 games left of the domestic campaign but with a return to European football for the first time in a decade very much a possibility, attention at the club has already turned to the summer and the possibility of new recruits.

When asked about his transfer strategy, Howe confirmed that Newcastle are working on three potential plans: One for use if they fail to qualify for any European competition, one if they qualify for the Europa League or Conference League, and one if they make it to the Champions League, a competition Newcastle have not played in since 2004.

“Yeah, I think to a degree, yes, I think we have all eventualities covered so we’re not behind the curve, depending on what happens,” said Howe. “We’re in the process of doing all that work now — me to a lesser degree because I’m preparing for the games, but behind the scenes we are.

“There is a huge amount of work for us to do (during the summer) on every level. Football never stands still. The teams competing with us will all try and do the same thing. We need to be smart with what we do and we are on a journey