Eddie Howe admits that it is now difficult for Newcastle to conduct domestic transfer business because rival clubs are unwilling to do them any ‘favours.’
After last year’s Saudi-backed takeover, the Magpies are now regarded as one of the English game’s “big-hitters.” Large transfer funds have replaced years of austerity, and the north-east outfit spent more than £120 million during the summer window.
This has given Howe a squad capable of making an impact in the Premier League. However, the Tynesiders also missed out on a few targets before the window closed on Thursday night.
Leicester City midfielder James Maddison was a well-known high-profile target. According to reports, Newcastle made an offer in excess of £40 million for the England international schemer.
The Foxes refused to play ball, and the former Norwich City player remains at King Power Stadium. And Howe believes clubs are raising their asking prices when the St James’ Park outfit comes calling.
“That was definitely something we felt in the market,” he told reporters. “Domestic clubs didn’t want to be seen to be helping us. We’ll have to take that, that is part of where we are at the moment.
“We have certainly found there is no one there ready to do us a favour. It’s the narrative regarding us that has changed.
“If there is anything domestically, teams will put their price up if it is Newcastle. That is the same around the world, that is something we are having to deal with.”
