Eddie Howe offers telling Newcastle transfer admission as he responds to Almiron & Lascelles talk

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has reacted to suggestions that Almiron and Lascelles will go in January window

Lee Ryder Chief Newcastle United Writer

22:21, 27 Jan 2024Updated 23:59, 27 Jan 2024

Eddie Howe admits that he would happily slam the transfer window shut five days early if he had the power - underlining his pledge to hold on to stars like Miguel Almiron, Kieran Trippier, Callum Wilson and Jamaal Lascelles.

Howe insisted that Almiron was "genuinely" ill and that Lascelles was suffering with a "tight calf" despite talk of exits for the pair swirling around St James' Park. Al-Shabab remain linked with Almiron while talk in Turkey is strengthening that Besiktas want to sign Lascelles in a cash deal.

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When asked if could slide the window shut tonight, Howe told Chronicle Live: "That is a clever question! I probably would though if you gave me the choice now, I probably would.

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"That is not giving away any knowledge of what is going to happen in the next couple of days, I am probably in the dark as much as anybody.

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"I have been out of contact for 24 hours. Let's see what happens when I get back into what else is happening in the world other than this game. If we are able to go with the same squad as we have now I would take that."

The Almiron situation aroused suspicion among the fanbase that the Paraguay international could be sold this winter. But for the second day running Howe insisted he wanted to keep Almiron.

Howe said: "Miggy has been so important for us, last year he was an important goal-getter for us. This year he has worked incredibly hard. He has been reliable for us when he is fit.

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"That has been vitally important for us when we have had injuries to our attacking players. So he is not underestimated by me in terms of his personality and what he produces on the pitch so of course I'd like to keep him."

When asked if Almiron's illness was bad, Howe smiled and said: "He is ill if that is what you are asking. He is genuinely ill."

Howe was later pressed again on Almiron and confessed that "someone" could be sold without committing to the South American star's name. The Toon head coach said: "It’s difficult. I'm not in hourly contact with what's going on and I'm a step removed. There is a possibility someone could leave I made that clear. That hasn't changed we have to wait to see what happens."

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That brought the conversation back to club captain Lascelles with those stories of a switch to the Turkish Super Lig not going away. One source tonight suggested to Chronicle Live that the deal still has the prospect of being done before deadline day.

But Howe said: "Not that I know of. "He just has a slightly tight calf. We don't think it's serious."