'It's about collaboration': Eddie Howe faces questions on recruitment and working with Paul Mitchell

Eddie Howe addressed the media after Newcastle United's 2-0 win over Hull City on Saturday afternoon and the talk quickly turned to transfers.

Newcastle fans are starting to get a tad impatient as we're three weeks away from the season opener against Southampton and the club have yet to make any meaningful first-team signings beyond the free transfer of Lloyd Kelly.

It's not just the lack of incoming deals that's a concern either as several players linked with exits still remain on the books amid reports that Eddie Howe is trying to keep hold of players that Paul Mitchell, and indeed most fans, feel it's time to let go of.

That naturally brings up the question of who has the final say at the club, and the media weren't shy in asking.

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Howe has sent a message around collaboration on transfers

Following Howe's loaded comments while out in Germany which seemed to be pointed towards his new sporting director and how much power he will be allowed, Howe has justified what he meant about the allocation of power telling The Chronicle that it has to be a joint effort when making transfer decisions.

"It is not about having a final say it is about collaboration.

"We have had positive talks and we are trying to bring the right players to the football club. But it is never about one person's decision.

"And neither should it be. It is about a group of people coming together and making the right decisions all for the benefit of the football club."

Eddie Howe isn't expecting any imminent arrivals

"I have just been working every hour to make sure we are ready for next season. We are having discussions every day, several times a day to try to move the squad forward and make sure we are ready for what is a very tough Premier League season.

"But I can't give you false news, we are working towards that and everyone wants the same end point, let''s see what happens."

Eddie Howe saying that he doesn't believe anybody will come through the door before the trip to Japan, but really we weren't expecting that to happen given that they head off tomorrow, but we absolutely have to have somebody in before the team returns for the Sela Weekender starting on 9th August.