Newcastle United
Premier League • England
Eddie Howe talks down Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar speculation as Newcastle have alternative targets in mind
Newcastle are one of the richest clubs in the world, but Eddie Howe has insisted that they won’t be going after the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar in the summer.
It is now being reported that PSG are prepared to sell Neymar as the club prepares for a squad overhaul. The Brazilian is already being linked with a host of clubs from around the globe.
As Neymar is on a highly lucrative deal at PSG, only a few clubs from around Europe would be able to offer him a similarly attractive deal.
Along with Neymar, there have also been rumours of discontent from Ronaldo’s camp. After just a few months with Al Hilal he is already eyeing up a move back to Europe.
While Newcastle do have the funds to back a deal for Neymar or Ronaldo, Howe has talked down any such talks for the superstars.
“I think that kind of speculation has been there from day one since the takeover really,” Howe told reporters via ChronicleLive.
“Naturally everyone has then assumed the biggest names in world football will be going to Newcastle. Now we’ve not recruited that way and financially we can’t recruit that way at the moment but also we have to bring the right players into the group.
“I will say the transfer market is such a complex decision there’s a lot of thought needed. You can’t just pick a name there has to be a lot of thought going into both financially and looking into players.
“I’m not sure who’ve we’ve been linked with. They are difficult questions to answer. The transfer window is in the distance and is secondary at the minute.
“We are focused on training. Until we know where we stand next year it’s difficult to predict.”
Newcastle have been smart with investment
Despite their newfound riches, Newcastle have gone about their business in a sensible manner since their takeover.
The lure of Champions League football next season could accelerate their recruitment processes, but players like Neymar and Ronaldo don’t seem to be of interest.
Howe has built a team with a great work ethic and despite Neymar’s obvious quality, he might not be the best fit into that sort of side.
As things stand, Newcastle are third in the table and they hold a six-point lead over Liverpool in fifth, with a game in hand.
While Newcastle have been linked with a move for Ronaldo, the player himself is said to be keen on a Real Madrid reunion.
Ronaldo and his camp reportedly offered his services to the Spanish club before he signed with Al Nassr back in December.
However, Florentino Perez rejected the opportunity, although his stance on the situation could have changed over the past few months.
It seems as if Newcastle will turn their interest elsewhere. Bundesliga pair Amadou Haidara and Dominik Szoboszlai have been linked with the club of late.
With both players under the age of 26, they would fit along with Newcastle’s transfer strategy better than the likes of Neymar and Ronaldo.