Eddie Howe swears mega-rich Newcastle won’t ‘handcuff’ itself by spending big in January

Eddie Howe says Newcastle are considering “handcuffing themselves” ahead of the January summer transfer window by overspending, but admits an injury to Jonjo Shelvey has prompted the club to “reassess” its plans.

The Magpies have spent £215million on eight new players over the past 12 months and Howe is looking to step up again in the new year.

Central midfield has become a priority position with Shelvey out for up to eight weeks with a calf injury and Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans are under consideration. However, Howe says financial fair play remains a key factor.

Eddie Howe says Newcastle are considering “handcuffing” ahead of the summer transfer window

But the Magpies boss said the club must reassess because Jonjo Shelvey’s calf injury rules him out for eight weeks

“If you want to improve the team, the starting XI the way it is when we don’t have any injuries, then that’s a challenge on the market at the moment,” said the head coach.

“It would be possible with an unlimited budget. Not that we necessarily have a budget right now, but with the threat of Financial Fair Play and these restrictions, it’s almost impossible.

“Then you look at the squad and can you improve that? That’s a different question now. Anything we do in January then potentially harms us for the summer. So there’s always another window coming up, and what you don’t want to do is handcuff yourself for future windows. There’s a lot to think about.

“Last January we signed some very good players but we found it difficult to navigate the market. It’s not an ideal time to do too much business.”

The Magpies have spent £215million on eight new players over the past 12 months and Howe would ideally like to step up again in the new year

Asked how Shelvey’s injury has affected their transfer strategy, Howe said: “It’s something we think about and analyze on a daily basis. I don’t think there’s a need for an immediate reaction to say, “We have to do this,” but I think we’ll think about it.

“We’re always reacting to what’s happening internally, you have to be that. It’s something we’re re-evaluating.’

Sportsmail revealed on Wednesday that Shelvey has yet to start two more games to trigger a one-year contract extension and Howe took time out this week to speak to the 31-year-old.

“He’s a passionate guy who lives for football, that feeling of playing and showing your ability,” said Howe, who was due to have Callum Wilson back from his illness for Saturday’s visit to Leeds.

“It’s an important factor in Jonjo’s life. If he can’t, it’s a big deal that’s being taken away from him. We currently support him. I had a good chat with him yesterday and he is much more positive about the future. He’s focused on his rehab. Although the period is long, it is not a long-term injury. He can walk again very quickly.”

One player close to returning to full training is club-record new signing Alexander Isak

One player close to returning to full training is club-record new signing Alexander Isak. The £60m forward has not played since September with a hamstring injury but Howe said: “He’s very close (to full training). We hope he can be there in January. It’s a cliche, but he’ll feel like a newcomer.

“Obviously he was disappointed and he’s keen to play and really want to prove how good he is. It’s more about keeping him calm and making sure he realizes he has a long future here and we just want him to be right when he’s back on the pitch.

“He is an extremely talented player. He can have a big impact, but we have players who have played really well in his position, so it will be a challenge. It’s not about just getting back into the team. That’s the beauty of our team at the moment. Whenever someone has snatched the shirt, they’ve ramped up their performance to make it difficult for others to get back in.