Eddie Howe has admitted Newcastle will try to sign “elite” players - after being asked if he can afford to bid for £80m-rated England ace Declan Rice.
Newcastle have been linked with Rice this week amid claims that they have opened preliminary talks with the West Ham star. The Geordies will see their coffers boosted but up to £70m if they can maintain their current Premier League position and qualify for the Champions League, and do well in the competition next season.
Rice is expected to be on the market this summer, and would be a huge signing for a top-four club. Arsenal could also be interested in Rice, but Howe twice refused to rule Newcastle out of the running.
