Eddie Howe has revealed Newcastle would want to sign “elite” players after being questioned if he can afford to bid for England star Declan Rice for £80 million.
Newcastle have been connected with Rice this week, with reports claiming that exploratory negotiations have begun with the West Ham star. The Geordies’ coffers will be enhanced by up to £70 million if they can maintain their present Premier League position, qualify for the Champions League, and perform well in the competition next season.
Rice is likely to be available this summer and would be a significant acquisition for a top-four club.Arsenal may be interested in Rice as well, but Howe has refused to rule Newcastle out.
England team mate Jude Bellingham is also potentially up for sale for £100m-plus, with Manchester City favourites to land him. Liverpool ruled out spending so much on one player, but Howe did not when asked on Friday.
When asked if Newcastle could be in the market for Rice, despite such a price tag, Howe replied: “That is a difficult question to answer. We are trying to build the best squad we can. I think a lot will probably depend on what competitions we are playing in next year as to what we can and can’t do.”
“I think we will always try to gauge it in every situation,” Howe said when asked whether he’d put so many eggs in one basket and if he had the capacity to do so.
“Last summer, our strategy was to try to find quality players for the positions that we needed rather than bringing in a slew of players who don’t necessarily improve our starting XI or squad.”
“I do not believe our strategy will change.” Because we have an exceptional squad, we need elite players. If we bring someone in, they must be better than the players we already have.”
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