Howe refuses to rule out deals with Saudi clubs for likes of Ronaldo & Ruben

NEWCASTLE boss Eddie Howe has refused to rule out bringing in players from Saudi Arabia.

The Gulf State’s Public Investment Fund own 80 per cent of Newcastle and have taken control of four Saudi Pro League clubs.

2

Prem stars N’Golo Kante, Ruben Neves and Roberto Firmino moved to the Middle East this summer, joining Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.

And Newcastle’s chief Howe sees no reason not to trade with Saudi clubs.

He said: “That depends on if it is the right thing for Newcastle. We’ll always act with our best interests first.”

On the Saudis’ push to sign up a host of Europe’s top players, Howe added: “I don’t think the fees have been excessive necessarily — maybe the wages have, which is making it attractive to players.”

And Howe warned the Toon Army not to expect a major transfer spend from his side either ahead of their Champions League charge.

The Newcastle boss laid out his “frustration” at only landing Sandro Tonali for £55million so far.

Under dark skies, torrential rain, thunder and lightning, the Italian midfielder, 23, watched Toon beat Gateshead 3-2 today in their first pre-season friendly.

But while Howe insists Newcastle need more quality to compete next season, he stressed they are working under a “strict” budget and will not be able to sign another player for a similar fee to that of the Azzurri star.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023

Howe said: “There is no way we’ll be able to go for that calibre or price in every transfer.

“That is not a blueprint we are following because now we are going to have to be clever with the remaining funds we have.

“We have a very strict budget that we’re trying to work within. At times there have been frustrations and difficult days. I’ve been through all emotions this summer. I’m very pleased to get Sandro in but we know we need more.”

Howe admitted his side are not close to any new arrivals, including Leicester winger Harvey Barnes, 25, who has been heavily linked with a £35m switch to Tyneside.

The Mags manager is still on the lookout for another centre-back —  with Monaco’s Axel Disasi fancied — a left-back, midfielder and winger.

As well as gracing the Champions League for the first time in 20 years, Newcastle are also desperate to become top-four regulars.

Howe added: “We are prepared to be patient and wait for the right ones but we are also aware we need to strengthen, so there might come a time when we need to move things quicker.

“I’m very aware we do need more with the season we have got ahead of us and the demands that we will face. The squad needs to be robust enough to meet the challenges ahead of us.

“We might need two different 11s in the space of three days next season and they both need to be able to compete at the highest level.

2

“With the competitions that we’re in, having three games a week, we need to be able to rotate the team but to be able to bring in players who are of equal standard.

“We might need to be creative but we’re trying to look at every avenue we can to make the club stronger. I’m a mixture of all emotions at different times.

“I’m patient and understand the parameters we’re working in but I also know the needs we have. For me it’s not a case of we want to do it, we need to do it.”

Howe was speaking after Toon had to come from 2-0 down to beat Gateshead with Jay Turner-Cooke, 19, nabbing the late winner.

One player whose future looks uncertain is Allan Saint-Maximin amid links to Saudi Arabia. The winger, 26, showed his usual flashes of genius against the National League side, creating the first for 20-year-old Elliot Anderson before bagging the equaliser.

And asked if he wants to keep the French maverick, Howe said: “Definitely. I love Allan. He took his goal really well and he’s come back in a good place mentally. I’m very pleased with him.”

It was quite the North East welcome for new-boy Tonali, who arrived from AC Milan.

He has only trained twice since signing but could feature on Tuesday night against Rangers along with the other internationals before heading on their US tour.

Howe laughed and added: “I’m not learning Italian, he’s got to change for us! His English is improving. In the brief times I’ve met him I’ve seen a big difference.

“He has made a really good impression and is one of those  players who can elevate everyone around him. The early signs are very positive and I can’t wait to see him in a Newcastle shirt.”

TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and confirmed switches from the world of football