Eddie Howe has predicted this summer will be Newcastle United's 'hardest' window yet because the Magpies are now fishing in a 'very small' pond.
Preparations for the upcoming window have stepped up this week after Newcastle qualified for the Champions League. While Howe intends to keep the majority of the group together, the Newcastle boss has quickly set about improving a side who have taken the black-and-whites back to Europe's top table for the first time in 20 years.
That won't necessarily be straightforward because, unlike previous windows, there are now fewer players available within budget who can actually make this side better. While a move to Newcastle may appeal to a number of elite targets, convincing clubs to sell these individuals at an acceptable price won't be easy, either.
