Eddie Howe: No wholesale changes to Newcastle squad this summer

NEWCASTLE: Eddie Howe has hinted that there will be no wholesale changes to his Newcastle United squad in the summer transfer window.

While change is inevitable at St. James’ Park, with four quality additions understood to be seen as a priority, head coach Howe is keen to make sure the core of the group remains unchanged, highlighting positive mentality and spirit as retainable traits.

With Newcastle’s Premier League safety looking like it will be confirmed in the coming weeks, despite nine games still remaining, attention has already turned toward the summer and transfers for most fans.

Speculation is already rife about who will leave the Howe revolution and who will help take it to the next level.

The man himself remains 100 percent focused on keeping the Magpies in the division, starting with a result this afternoon against Tottenham Hotspur. However, Howe has revealed his thoughts about his squad balance ahead of summer trading.

“We’re in discussions with a couple of players,” he said about renewing the contracts of his current crop, with the likes of Sean Longstaff and Fabian Schar understood to be close to agreeing new terms.

“We want to try and keep the main group together because, as I said, the mentality and spirit of the group is very good, I don’t want to break that up.”

On potential exits, Howe said: “I’d never stand in any player’s way if they felt their future lay elsewhere because I don’t think it’s helpful for you, them or the club. You need players that are absolutely committed.

“Now, in saying that, it has to be on the right terms for the club depending on the individual player’s position. I don’t see that from the group, I see players that want to be here and are desperately trying to stay