Dean Jones has told Give Me Sport that Newcastle United’s hierarchy worked through a B-list of players in the January window, and that they will target their compiled A-list shortlist in the summer transfer market.
Eddie Howe’s side brought in five players, two on deadline day, in the form of Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes, Matt Targett on loan and Dan Burn. The latter being announced with moments to spare on Monday.
It sees Newcastle replace the injured Callum Wilson, solve the right-back and left-back issues, bring in a much-needed centre-back and some quality in the middle of the park. Another centre-back would have been ideal.
But it is seen as a strong window by Newcastle fans and pundits. However, Jones has delivered a further exciting update – by stating that it was only a B-list of players brought in. In the summer, they will go for A-list targets.
“If Newcastle fans thought that window was fun, wait for the next one. I’m informed that was only the B list of targets – and the A list will see them reach for the stars. First though, they have to stay up,” Jones said.
Jones update: Could Financial Fairplay be an issue for Newcastle?
Before the start of the January window, it was stated that the Toon had plenty in the bank regarding FFP – due to Mike Ashley’s insistence on only spending cash the club had made. It proved to help the new owners.
Bruno could cost £40million, while Trippier and Wood equate to a similar fee. Burn cost around £13million. So, the best part of £100million was spent. However, Newcastle are expected to still have plenty of room.
Getting a few players out of the door will also help, with the squad now bloated. Only Freddie Woodman and Jeff Hendrick left the club on loan on deadline day, despite interest in Jamal Lewis and Ciaran Clark.
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