Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe will have to wait a little longer before submitting his transfer A-list with meetings planned soon with Toon chiefs ahead of the summer trading period.
But even though he has picked up just one point from the last six available, and prolonging the wait for Champions League football, Howe has learned plenty about what is needed to keep grappling at the business end of the table. Despite an excellent return of eight wins, a draw and just three defeats in the dozen matches since the Carabao Cup final, it's obvious that playing pretty much at maximum level has still not stifled the threat of Liverpool.
Of course, all eyes will be on Leicester City on Monday night to see if they can do Newcastle a massive favour. If the Foxes do deliver, then it will be firmly in United's hands to beat Brighton then it would be pretty much all over bar the shouting.
