Kalvin Phillips handed major transfer blow as Eddie Howe reveals Newcastle deal ‘certainly not close’ amid FFP woes

EDDIE HOWE admits he “hasn’t had assurances” that he will be handed a January transfer kitty to arrest Newcastle’s slump.

The underfire Magpies boss is desperate to add to his struggling squad with so many injuries but he says Financial Fair Play will impact any business next month.

Kalvin Phillips is hoping to secure a loan move away from Manchester CityAFP

Eddie Howe has cast doubt on Newcastle’s ability to spend in the January windowAlamy

A defensive midfielder is top of Howe’s wishlist, with Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips on loan their main target.

Toon are also in the market for a forward to compete alongside Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak as well as a goalkeeper to replace the injured Nick Pope.

The pressure is rising on Howe after six defeats in seven leaves them ninth in the Premier League and eight points off the top four.

But asked if the Saudi owners have made money available, Howe said: “No we haven’t had those assurances.

“It’s a difficult month as we always say when January comes around, but it is a very difficult month to bring in quality players.

“Financial Fair Play continues to affect our decision-making so let’s wait and see.

“FFP is part of our future and isn’t going anywhere, we need to navigate it.”

Asked on Man City’s England midfielder Phillips, Howe replied: “If nothing’s close, that one’s certainly not close.”

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Phillips joined Man City from Leeds for £45million in the summer of 2022 but has played very little since arriving at the Etihad.

He has featured 31 times – all but six of which have come as a substitute.

And after just one goal and no assists, he is seeking a way out as he bids to secure his spot in Gareth Southgate’s England team for the Euros next summer.