Eddie Howe offers Newcastle transfer update as Magpies consider raiding Chelsea

Eddie Howe has issued a stern warning to Premier League competitors, stating that Newcastle will be a force to reckon with this season. And the Magpies boss has offered an update on his transfer plans before the window shuts.

Newcastle wrapped up pre-season with a 1-0 victory over Champions League-bound Brest, courtesy of a goal from Harvey Barnes.

The north east club are in the process of finalising a deal for Marc Guehi this week, but even without this high-profile signing, Howe insists his squad is already in top shape and stronger.

With Joelinton, Joe Willock, Barnes, Nick Pope back in form, Sandro Tonali returning from a ban, and new signings Lloyd Kelly and Lewis Hall making their mark, the team looks promising.

And Toon manager Howe, whose squad also triumphed over Girona 4-0 on Friday night, could even raid Chelsea for Noni Madueke before the window shuts.

He said: “I think the big thing is, the difference from sort of the middle of the season to the end of the season to now is we’ve got players back and if we can keep them back we will be stronger.

“We’ve still got obviously Callum Wilson, Sven Botman, Jamal Lascelles… huge players, missing. That would make us stronger again but with the likes of Sandro hopefully coming back, Willock today.

“They are massive, massive players for us and they can make a difference. Harvey (Barnes) obviously was missing and I could go through the whole list of players that were missing last year but they will make a big difference.”

Even though Palace are reportedly demanding a handsome £60m, Howe remains intent on bolstering his squad with the acquisition of England centre-back Guehi.

Yet because of financial constraints, it is possible Howe may have to adjust his strategy regarding a right winger.

Chelsea prodigy Noni Madueke remains in his plans, although a move may be postponed to subsequent transfer windows if the Englishman stays at Stamford Bridge.

Howe remarked: “We’re hopeful to be active and to add at least one player to the group. Let’s wait and see.

“It has to be about quality rather than quantity for us because we have got such a good squad, anyway, that if you’re going to add players to it, they have to push the group to new levels.

“So that’s what we’re looking for, which is very difficult to find. There are not many players that will make us better.

“You have to stay calm. I don’t think there’s any use in any other emotion. We will try to make the right decisions given the conditions that we’re working in.”

“The window has been slightly slower this year. It does seem to be picking up now.”