Eddie Howe talks about his key role as Newcastle transfer guru while Dan Ashworth wait continues

Eddie Howe says that Newcastle United can get through the summer window without a director of football being appointed. But admits that the club's transfer structure must be improved.

Howe dovetailed with the club's board and head of recruitment Steve Nickson during the January transfer window to line stars such as Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes, Chris Wood and Matt Targett in the winter trading period. The Chronicle reported two months ago that Dan Ashworth's move to Newcastle had been held up due to compensation and with Brighton playing hardball this could take until November.

Howe said: "Whatever the situation is, I can adapt and overcome. When I first came in, I said that appointing a sporting director is a matter of urgency for the club, because we need those structures that help the club improve.

"We have a lot of improving to do behind the scenes to get to be the club that we want to be. That’s in all areas. We want to build the club and, to do that, you need the right people and the right appointments to happen."

Howe already has a good idea of who he wants to sign in the summer while Nickson and his scouting network have been busy at grounds around Europe since the new year. But he admits he is capable of stepping up to the role of negotiator or recruitment supremo if needed.

Howe said: "In the meantime, I’m more than capable of doing certain things. The outcome of the January transfer window has been very successful. I enjoyed the process of how we got to that outcome. Everyone did a really good job. I’m more than happy to do that again."