Eddie Howe reveals transfer stance at Newcastle United amid 'uncomfortable' player valuations

The club this week signed striker Chris Wood from Burnley after meeting his £25million release clause. The acquisition of Wood, a Premier League record for a player in his 30s, followed the signing last week of defender Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid.

Newcastle have been frustrated in their attempts to sign Lille defender Sven Botman, while Sevilla’s Diego Carlos is another target.

United, now 80%-owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, are being quoted inflated prices given the wealth of their new majority-owners.

“Everyone’s well aware that we’re in the market for certain positions, and that demand then drives the price up,” said head coach Howe. “There’s nothing we can do about that.

“The window continues to surprise everybody, I think. But you just have to live in that world. We have the needed players that we’ve identified and managed to get over the line.

“The cost of those players is uncomfortable, I’m sure, for everybody – that’s not talking about the individual cases, that’s just the prices of football players in general – but that’s the market we’re in.”

Asked if the club was prepared to walk away from deals, Howe said: “Absolutely, you have to be in that position.

“You have to draw a line in certain situations and say ‘no, we’re not going to pay that money’, otherwise where does the game go? It goes to an uncomfortable place, I think. It’s all about the individual player, and judging each situation on individual merits, and that’s what we’ve tried to do.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Newcastle United coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription; sign up here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor