Newcastle ready to hand Eddie Howe a significant transfer budget if key condition is met

Newcastle United would be prepared to back manager Eddie Howe with a bumper budget in the summer transfer window, provided Champions League qualification can be secured.

The Magpies are currently third in the Premier League table and have two games in hand over Manchester United, so look to be in a good position to achieve a hugely impressive top four finish.

This could significantly impact what Howe can do in terms of summer signings, as the manager himself has admitted.

“That [increased budget] would be an outcome [of Champions League football], yes. I can’t think about the outcome, I have to think about how we get there,” Howe is quoted by the Shields Gazette.

“That is what we’re working towards. But definitely, where we finish, that will dictate a large part of what we can and can’t do in the summer.”

Newcastle have brought in some big signings in the PIF era, but the lure of Champions League football would surely be huge in terms of allowing them to chase even bigger and better names.