Defeated Eddie Howe admits Newcastle can’t afford to sign Dominic Solanke as he rules out making any January transfers

EDDIE HOWE admitted Saudi-owned Newcastle can’t afford to spend £50million on Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke.

And the Magpies boss told fans not to expect any new signings this month as Financial Fair Play rules continue to dog the Tynesiders.

Eddie Howe has revealed Newcastle are not set to do any January transfer businessReuters

Toon will not be able to sign Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke this monthGetty

And as much as Howe rates Solanke, a player he bought as Cherries boss from Liverpool for £19million in 2019, he says cash-strapped Toon cannot spend anywhere near that amount this month.

He said: “I love Dominic Solanke, I signed him and I rate him very, very highly.

“But we have not made an enquiry for him and we don’t have the ability to sign a player of that level.”

Newcastle are active in the loan market, with Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips a top target, especially now Joelinton has been ruled out for six weeks after picking up a quad injury.

But the Mags are reluctant to pay the £7million loan fee City want for the England star.

And when asked if Newcastle can actually sign anyone permanently or on loan before the end of this month, Howe added: “We’re not shutting the door on everything.

“But certainly as I sit here now, no we’re not going to bring anyone in. But that may change as the window unfolds.

“My job is to push as hard as I can to improve the team, whether that is coaching or in the boardroom.

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“I will continue to do that (push for signings) but I have to respect and understand the football club’s health and that’s the primary concern of everybody because we want Newcastle United here for the next 500 years. It’s a frustration for everyone connected to us.

“The owners are very ambitious and would like to help and improve the squad at every opportunity but Financial Fair Play rules don’t allow that.”

Midfielder Joelinton joins the list of Toon absentees which includes Nick Pope, Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes, Matt Targett, Jacob Murphy and Callum Wilson.

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