'Unaffected': Eddie Howe says summer transfer plans remain the same despite Dan Ashworth's exit

Eddie Howe faced the media this morning ahead of Newcastle United's clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers at St James' Park tomorrow.

The Dan Ashworth saga still rumbles on in the background after the sporting director asked to leave the club and was immediately placed on gardening leave while Newcastle negotiate a fee with Manchester United.

Howe has faced a few questions around Ashworth since that happened and without saying it outright, his answers have always hinted at a rift between the two.

Eddie Howe was faced with more Dan Ashworth questions

Today Howe was asked if the summer transfer plans have changed in light of Ashworth's departure.

Eddie Howe stated (via The Chronicle) that their plans will likely be unaffected.

"I haven't had too many meetings regarding the summer as of yet, I'm sure they'll gather pace as we get closer to the summer window. They'll be unaffected by Dan's exit."

Dan Ashworth - What did he do?

That, to us, brings up a huge question ... what did Dan Ashworth actually do? If the plans are set to remain the same in the summer that suggests that he didn't have a great deal of input, otherwise you'd think other people involved would seize the opportunity to enact their ideas.

The club needs to be active this summer both in terms of incoming and outgoing players. A squad refresh is the only way to push on next season after seeing so many of our players break down this season.

We need to add strength and depth and plenty of it if we are to have another crack at breaking into the Champions League places.