Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe spoke at length about transfers during a long session with the travelling UK media on Tuesday.
Understandably, Howe was asked a lot about January but insists transfer meetings are only just beginning. Lots of supporters have already started to wonder if United will go for the same type of haul that resulted in the club landing five players last winter.
Howe was more realistic on the possibility of such a big swoop his time and admitted it could well be a case of one in, one out due to the competitive nature of the squad.
READ MORE: Inside Riyadh fan event as Newcastle United owners hold open dialogue
But he stated he will always thrive to improve, he said: "As a manager I am always looking to improve the team. I will never sit here and be content - I don’t think that is the right way to manage.
"My way to take the team to new heights is to improve through the training of the players we have. If we can’t get to a certain level then we need to find that in the transfer market. And, of course, you have to work within the guidelines of the club."
Another day, another commercial deal
A ball hasn't even been kicked in terms of friendly action here in Riyadh but there seemed to be so much happening on the eve of the game from a Newcastle United point of view.
Not only did the club host a fan event on Wednesday but there was also the announcement of another commercial tie up. This time with VOV, a subsidiary of Savvy Games Group, who are specialists in building e-sports and competition venues connecting online players around the world.
The club's commercial supremo Peter Silverstone announced today: "Working with VOV will allow us to engage with Newcastle United fans via the popularity of e-sports and gaming in Saudi Arabia.
"Our collaboration with VOV will provide an exciting platform for our fans to engage with. VOV will also lend their knowledge and expertise to the club in Saudi Arabia where we continue to expand the club’s fan base as one of the country’s most supported Premier League football clubs.
"Saudi Arabia has a young, digitally engaged population and our collaboration with VOV will enhance our efforts to reach this important audience."
United braced for an amazing atmosphere in Riyadh ahead of match night
Newcastle will walk out at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in a ground that holds 22,000 fans with Middle East supporters eagerly anticipating the big match. Unlike the game against Al-Ittihad in Jeddah back in January, which United won 2-1, this game will be played in front of a packed crowd.
The game will be contesting the prestigious Diriyah Season Cup and takes place on the day before the weekend in Saudi Arabia. It promises to be some atmosphere.
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