'Difficult' - Newcastle boss Eddie Howe gives update on Magpies future amid England job links following frustrating transfer window

Howe has been a subject of speculation regarding the England's national team manager position after Gareth Southgate stepped down following an agonising defeat in the European Championship final. However, Howe has always been quick to dismiss these rumours, emphasising that his commitment lies solely with Newcastle United.

However, Newcastle have undergone notable changes at the boardroom level that might have impacted Howe's role at the club. Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi, who had a strong working relationship with Howe, left after selling their stake. Their departure saw the arrival of Paul Mitchell as the new sporting director, with Darren Eales stepping in as CEO to take the lead in the club's operations. These changes have brought about a shift in how the club operates and Howe admitted that this summer's transfer window was the most "hands-off" experience he has had since taking charge of Newcastle in November 2021.

“You have to understand that in the majority of the other windows the whole structure of the club has been different so that is not necessarily a criticism of the structure we have now,” Howe said.

“There are different personalities and there’s a different way of working now. Yes, it probably has been the most hands off I’ve been, but that’s not necessarily a negative. It’s just a different way of working.”

When asked about his future at Newcastle, Howe provided a candid response.

“It’s difficult to ever – and this isn’t a loaded answer, by the way – give any reassurance on anything in football, but I absolutely love being Newcastle manager," he said. "I’m very, very proud to do it. “No part of me is thinking anything other than trying to beat Tottenham and looking, hopefully, to a long reign here.”

Newcastle experienced a relatively quiet summer transfer window, with only a few additions to the squad. The Magpies secured Lewis Hall on a permanent deal from Chelsea, marking the most significant acquisition of the summer. Additionally, the club signed two outfield players: Lloyd Kelly, who joined on a free transfer from AFC Bournemouth, and Will Osula, who was signed for £15 million ($20m) from Sheffield United. The other recruits included goalkeepers John Ruddy and Odysseas Vlachodimos.

Howe will lead the Magpies out against Tottenham on Sunday afternoon at St. James' Park. They remain unbeaten so far this campaign and would look to pick the three points against the north London side before heading into the international break.