Newcastle United headlines as Eddie Howe sends 'play for the badge' warning to new summer signings

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Eddie Howe has issued any summer signings with a simple but all-important message: play for the badge. This will be the first summer window under the Saudi-backed ownership, with Newcastle expected to splash the cash in order to challenge for European football next season.

But the Magpies boss has admitted it is ‘vitally important’ that any new recruits understand what it means to play for Newcastle United. "It's vitally important that anyone we recruit understands what it means to play for the badge, for the club, and carries that burden that it brings but in a positive way,” He said. “We will take that very seriously and anyone we bring in needs to understand when they enter the building here what it means to everybody."

It looks likely that incomings will be balanced with several outgoings, with long-serving players such as Matt Ritchie, Karl Darlow, Ciaran Clark and Dwight Gayle among several with uncertain futures at St James’ Park.

Reims forward Hugo Ekitike has admitted that he was fully aware of Newcastle’s interest in a January move, but ‘the timing wasn’t right’ for a move to St James’ Park. The 19-year-old has scored nine goals in just 23 appearances for the French club this season, attracting attention from the Magpies among other clubs as one of Europe’s breakout stars - and he hinted that this summer may be a lively one.

"I have a lot of respect for that big club. But it was all happening very quickly,” Ekitike told L’Equipe . “The timing wasn’t right. It was better to stay here, to play a full season, to establish myself.” And on the summer, he added: "I see it being lively! I think people will show interest in me. On my end, I’ll stay calm