Eddie Howe admitted the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR) are ‘limiting’ Newcastle’s activity in the transfer market.
The Magpies have so far endured an immensely-frustrating summer, missing out on several key targets while having to deal with the on-going Alexander Isak transfer saga.
The Sweden international, who has informed the club of his desire to explore options away from St James’ Park, is currently training away from the first-team squad, with Howe admitting he “can’t have him involved with the group” and revealing it was unlikely the player would feature in the team’s Premier League opener against Aston Villa on Saturday.
However, the Newcastle boss insisted the striker, who bagged 27 goals in all competitions last season and who the club reportedly rejected a £110million offer for from Liverpool, could still have a future on Tyneside.
Howe has been looking to bolster his attacking options following the departure of Callum Wilson to West Ham, but the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Hugo Ekitike and Joao Pedro have all opted to ply their trade elsewhere in the Premier League.
While the hunt for an arrival at the top end of the pitch goes on, Newcastle are understood to be closing in on a deal for defender Malick Thiaw from AC Milan.
“We’re controlled by PSR,” Howe said following Newcastle’s 2-0 pre-season defeat to Atletico Madrid. “That’s still limiting what we can do and that’s the reality.
“I’ve said many times, we’re not the highest payers in the league. We’re far from it and that is sometimes reflected in the choices players make.
“I don’t think there’s many players who have come here and haven’t benefitted from the experience Newcastle can give you.
“Playing in front of these supporters, that’s an absolute privilege and an honour that’s never lost on me. It’s a special place to be. Some players have a different choice. Finances play a part in that.”
To compound matters, winger Anthony Gordon hobbled off during the defeat to the La Liga side at St James’ Park, although Howe said he hoped the injury was not too serious.
“We hope he’s OK. It’s an ankle problem,” Howe said.
“We initially thought it was a muscle. The good news is it’s just a twist. The initial feeling is he should be OK.”
