Eddie Howe makes transfer admission as Newcastle plots Liverpool downfall with Alexander Isak fee

With the Magpies just three points behind the Premier League champions in the table, the fortunes of Eddie Howe's side could have a direct impact on Liverpool in the coming months

Alexander Isak's transfer fee does not mean Newcastle will necessarily make January transfer additions(Image: Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)

Eddie Howe has admitted the record-breaking transfer fee Newcastle United received from Alexander Isak does not mean the club is in a position to throw its financial muscle around this window.

The Premier League champions paid £125 million ($168M) to secure Isak’s services last summer, the highest transfer fee ever paid by an English club. The Swede has not had the immediate impact Liverpool fans had hoped for, while Newcastle’s compliance with the Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) is still an area of concern.

The Magpies have struggled to match the spending of the league’s top clubs over recent years, and the club’s squad depth is currently looking light due to five defensive injuries.

As Howe outlined on Friday, the financial windfall from Isak’s arrival does not necessarily mean the club will look to find new recruits in the market this month.

“I don't necessarily count the money,” the former Bournemouth head coach explained. “I will react to the information I get, and collectively we will come to the right decisions.

“I don't think it is a case that there is a pot of money stood there somewhere. I think PSR is constantly moving and changing depending on our income.

Howe has said the transfer fee from Isak does not mean Newcastle will make January additions(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA, Getty Images)

“So lots of things affect our income. So whether we are in the Champions League, how successful we are through the season, it is constantly changing.

“You can't ever really get one reading on it. It changes on a daily basis so we are having to react and change to that ourselves as we go through the season.

“All I can assure everybody is that there is money to spend, the club are willing to spend it. It is not a case of holding anything back. Of course, we have to comply within the rules; we know how important that is.”

Schar will miss next weekend's clash against Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Newcastle’s options have been reduced further with a fresh injury to Fabian Schar. Howe confirmed on Friday that the defender is set for a prolonged period on the sidelines and he will therefore miss the trip to Anfield in two weeks’ time.

The Magpies’ fortunes are likely to have a direct impact on Liverpool.

Howe’s side is just three points behind fourth-place Liverpool in the Premier League table, and would overtake the champions this weekend if it wins at bottom-place Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Liverpool faces a clash against another relegation-threatened side on Saturday, when Burnley makes the short journey to Merseyside.