Eddie Howe has issued a strong warning that Newcastle are primed to "fight tooth and nail" to retain their key players amid interest from heavyweight clubs like Liverpool, who have their eyes on Anthony Gordon.
Gordon recently rejoined training with Newcastle as the head coach acknowledged the reality of the transfer market, conceding that "there'll always be the possibility that anyone could leave," in light of Newcastle's constraints under financial fair play regulations.
However, Howe underscored this statement by clearly signalling that football giants such as Liverpool should know that marquee names like Gordon, Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes, who has expressed his commitment for the upcoming season, are not for sale.
There have been whispers about Kieron Trippier potentially leaving if an attractive offer comes in, though he is not seeking a move away actively.
Even with Guimaraes catching Manchester City's attention, especially as they stand to gain £80m from offloading Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid, the Brazilian midfielder has dedicated himself to Newcastle's ambition for a "special" season ahead.
Regarding Gordon, Howe has commended his focus, recognising him as "his mind is on Newcastle, He has been exceptional, focused on his work, fitness, everything to do with this football club. No distractions."
Howe was quizzed about Trippier and potential moves, noting that the English defender, despite having held discussions with agents from a Saudi Arabian league team, remains an integral element of the squad. Nevertheless, owing to financial play requirements that still impact the club, Howe admits movements in the roster are inevitable, stating: "So I won't talk about individual players but naturally, with incomings there will be outgoings as well."
Howe has emphatically stated the club's stance amidst transfer speculations. "What I mean by that, I don't mean literally everyone has a 'For Sale' sign on their head. We are still in a position where Financial Fair Play will affect our decision making. No, we want to keep our best players, and we will fight tooth and nail to do that.
"That doesn't mean there won't be outgoings of certain players, because there has to be from our side. I don't think Kieran is openly looking to leave. He has been very good in training this week and came back with an ambition to fight for his place, like every player does when he comes back for pre-season, fully committed."
Regarding potential signings, Howe remained tight-lipped, especially about Crystal Palace's England defender Marc Guehi: "I am able to give you nothing."
The Magpies have completed the signing of promising young Sheffield United striker William Osula, who had been on Newcastle's radar for some time. Howe spoke highly of the new recruit: "I have known him since Jason (Tindall) was at Sheff U. We have tracked him for three years. He excited us and has the raw ingredients to be a good centre forward... extreme pace, good physique, 6ft 3ins, and technical skills.
"There are areas to develop but he is at the right place to do that. We have two outstanding forwards, no better centre forwards to learn from and use as role models and pick their brains, it is not easy finding players of that profile and financially we could not spend outrageous amounts of money."
