Eddie Howe issues update on Newcastle United's 25-man Premier League squad amid transfer push

Eddie Howe must name a 25-man Premier League squad when the transfer window closes – but Newcastle United’s head coach isn’t predicting a “big fight” for places.
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As it stands, Howe three senior players will miss out on places in the squad, though there could be further departures between now and the transfer deadline. The situation will also depend on incoming transfers.

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Also, midfielder Jonjo Shelvey could be left out, freeing up another place, as he has a hamstring injury which is set to keep him out until after the World Cup, which is being staged late this year in Qatar.

Newcastle's head coach Eddie Howe.Newcastle's head coach Eddie Howe.
Newcastle's head coach Eddie Howe.
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Howe – who wants to sign Watford striker Joao Pedro – was asked ahead of tomorrow night’s Carabao Cup tie against Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park whether fringe players were competing for places in the squad.

"At the moment, I’d say we have a group that is quite stable in terms of numbers,” said United's head coach. “I would say the majority of players who have trained day to day with us will form our 25-man squad.

"We’re really pushed in terms of numbers currently, but I wouldn't say they’re necessarily competing for a place in the squad.

"I think we have a very good unit here, and we want to try add to that before the window shuts, but I don't see the 25-man squad being a big fight for places there.”

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The likes of Jamal Lewis, Matty Longstaff and Federico Fernandez are not certain of places in the club’s Premier League squad.

Lewis was left out of the squad midway through last season after suffering an injury.