By admin 
Eddie Howe admits he’s had no assurances from Newcastle’s hierarchy that there will be money to spend in January.
His team have lost six of their last seven matches, exiting the Champions League and Carabao Cup and slipping to ninth in the Premier League.
They are also dealing with a list of absentees that still runs into double figures and it is thought that Howe would like reinforcement in the new year
Manchester City midfielder Kelvin Phillips is a loan target, although sources said earlier this month that the loan fee was prohibitive at north of £7million. However, that could come down once the window opens.
The loss of goalkeeper Nick Pope has been felt in recent weeks and, while free agent David de Gea is under consideration, we understand there are concerns about the Spaniard having been without a club for six months.
Financial Fair Play also remains a concern for the Magpies, especially after missing out on the extra revenue from making the knockout stages of the Champions League.
And when asked if the Saudi-led owners had given him assurances over a January budget, Howe said: ‘No, we haven’t had those assurances. I think it’s a difficult month, as we always say when January comes around.
It is a very difficult month to bring in quality players. Financial Fair Play continues to play a part in our decision-making, so let’s wait and see.’
Howe, when asked if the club was in a position to do business, said: ‘FFP is something that I’m still coming to terms with, to understand myself. There are so many parts to it that are always moving. I’m not going to give you a clear answer to that. I think FFP is very active in our thoughts, we’re trying to navigate it and work around it.’
There was always an acceptance internally that this season would be more difficult than last for Newcastle, as Howe added: ‘Yes, it was always going to be tough. Last season was tough, but this season is tough in a different way