Exclusive:Newcastle United make Eddie Howe future plans clear - but key departures expected this summer
Newcastle United manager: The Gazette provides some clarity on the future of Eddie Howe amid external uncertainty and speculation.
Newcastle United are laying the groundwork for a transformative summer - with Eddie Howe, not without him.
The Shields Gazette understands the Magpies are much more likely to clear the decks of a whole host of underperforming players, than the head coach, who is still, right now, a central part of planning ahead of the next transfer window. And to do so would show firm support of Howe, who has lost the faith of sections of the NUFC fan base in recent months.
Newcastle are in the midst of a horror run of results - losing four on the bounce, and eight in their last 11 in the Premier League. Their monumental dip has seen pressure rightly grow on Howe, whose team have looked flat, lacking in quality, ideas, points and goals.
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Eddie Howe has support of NUFC
But, it's understood Howe has the support of decision-makers right now. It is impossible to say if that faith alters, should Newcastle be drawn further towards the bottom three in the final five fixtures, but, right now, he is central to summer planning - which looks set to be months of reboot and rebuild at St James' Park - and has full internal support.
Newcastle have a planned board meeting next week, which will be attended in person by key PIF figures. This has led some to speculate it is a summit to decide Howe's future - although, this could not be further from the truth. Howe, as he always does, will attend the meeting, which has been in the diary since before the recent downturn in fortunes.
Also rumours about him being held back for talks after the Bournemouth loss have also been played down, with conversations between Howe and the likes of Ross Wilson post-match a routine occurrence.
That stance is unlikely to satisfy a growing percentage of the Newcastle fanbase, who are openly wondering whether Howe has taken United as far as he can.
Newcastle United player exits more likely
As things stand, it is players who are most likely to be chopped, with significant outgoing business a recognised necessity, if major surgery is to be undertaken.
Tino Livramento is one possible casualty if Newcastle can find a buyer. As reported by sister site NewcastleWorld on February 1, Man City have cooled their summer interest, due in no small part to his availability.
Sandro Tonali, skipper for Saturday's defeat to Bournemouth, is another whom the door could open for, as well as Bayern Munich-linked Anthony Gordon, who is also liked by Arsenal and, more long-term by Liverpool.
There is a feeling some players have lost focus with the summer on the horizon, some have lost motivation with Newcastle's once high hopes this season, now in tatters. There is a sense some believe they have achieved all they can at Newcastle, with a Carabao Cup win and Champions League qualification the ceiling right now.
It is with that in mind, a summer reset is in the offing, with a transfer strategy, rather than process switch, already undertaken, although this time, compared to last summer, the correct infrastructure is in place to provide support needed for Howe and the club's transfer team.
Newcastle are understood to be keen to drive down the average age of the squad and with younger players the aim, Howe will be expected to work to craft the next Tonali or Bruno Guimaraes, rather than sign him ready-made.
There is an understanding that selling to reload is essential.
This comes after club legend Alan Shearer predicted the end of Howe feeling close.
Speaking on his The Rest is Football podcast, he said: "As I sit here, I don't see Eddie in charge of Newcastle next season, unfortunately.
"I look at his interview after the game and I'm not sure the fight is there. I think it's a very different club now to the one that he would want to go for. He doesn't look in a good position."