Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has admitted he cannot rule out player sales in the January transfer window as the club aim to comply with Premier League financial regulations.
Citing previous forced sales like those of Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh to adhere to Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), avoiding a potential points deduction, Howe dropped hints of possible exits next month during a press conference ahead of Newcastle’s match against Brentford.
The Magpies' boss criticised the current financial system and stated: "The days when teams don’t sell players, unless your revenue streams are so big, are gone. So I think our revenue streams aren’t where we want them to be.
"We are trying to grow them, so I think trading in and out is going to be essential. Hopefully it’s not going to be players that we are forced to sell like we were in that situation (in the summer) with a couple of days of deadlines approaching.
"Hopefully it’s a more stable setting but you can’t guarantee anything. Nothing is absolutely fixed and there will be lots of twists and turns."
Howe will also assess his squad's condition following their tough 3-3 draw against Premier League leaders Liverpool at St James' Park on Wednesday before heading to London for their upcoming clash.
While Howe has confirmed there are no fresh injury concerns, he did express concern over players like Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon who showed signs of struggle towards the end of the Liverpool draw. They will be under close observation.
A potential boost for Howe could be Kieran Trippier's comeback, who sat out the midweek match due to sickness but is expected to join the squad on their next trip.
"There were some tired bodies in the team," Howe acknowledged. "Anthony Gordon was fatigued at the end of his performance and naturally when you empty like that and you give so much to the game, there’s going to be a hit."
"Alex worked extremely hard and he was tired at the end of the game, so our job is to refuel the group and go again in what is a great opportunity for us."
Furthermore, Howe cautioned about the possible "steep" mental drop following the Liverpool game as they prepare to take on Thomas Frank’s side, who are eager to bounce back after their loss to Aston Villa midweek.
"Certainly as a player, I felt that after any game there was a comedown, but I think it will be a steep one after that Liverpool game," Howe said.
"I think our challenge this weekend is to find a way to hit the same levels of intensity and mental qualities that we showed on Wednesday."
