Howe: ''Neither Neymar nor CR7 will join Newcastle''

Newcastle are not in the market for superstars such as Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo, according to Magpies boss Eddie Howe.

One of the richest clubs in the world following their takeover by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) in October 2021, Newcastle had been linked with moves for PSG's Brazilian forward and Portuguese legend CR7.

However, Howe has ruled out any sensational transfers of this type and confirmed that neither superstar would fit the Magpies' current budget or recruitment strategy. 

"We could not be able to come close to affording those players," said Howe.

"They are the best players in the world. We are never going to be in a position currently to afford those transfer fees and wages, so we need to go underneath and find them young and develop them into the players they can be."

Currently third in the top flight with five games to play, the Magpies have enjoyed a fantastic campaign and are closing in on securing Champions League football next season. 

"Naturally everyone has then assumed the biggest names in world football will be going to Newcastle," added Howe.

"Now, we've not recruited that way. Financially, we can't recruit that way at the moment, but also we have to bring the right people and the right players into the group.

"I will say the transfer market is such a complex decision, you can't just pick a name and bring them in.

"I know what direction I want to take the team in and what we can and can't do in the transfer market."

The Toon Army host second-placed Arsenal in the Premier League this Sunday (16:30 BST).