Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has been told he will be armed with a generous transfer kitty going into the summer market.
Only brief meetings between Howe and the Saudi-backed Toon hierarchy have been held in terms of funding. However, as the jaws slowly start to reopen when it comes to the tight grip in the PSR world for the Magpies, Howe is ready to start planning again.
As reported by Chronicle Live yesterday, enquiries have been placed for sought after free transfer Jonathan David who will be released on a free transfer from Lille. That would still cost Newcastle a hefty signing on fee and a competitive wage packed but would be deemed a real coup on Tyneside.
Brentford are preparing to part with Bryan Mbeumo and the star has a £50m price tag on his shoulders with Newcastle carrying out extensive scouting work on the Bees favourite. It's also worth keeping a close eye on events at Sunderland with the Magpies still having an interest in Geordie youngster Chris Rigg.
Academy boss Steve Harper fought tooth and nail to sign Rigg before he put pent to paper on professional terms at the Stadium of Light. But he admirably chose to stick with the club who had brought him through as a youngster.
This season the England Under-19 international has attracted major interest from West Ham and Everton. If Sunderland fail to win promotion, Newcastle could well be ready to get back round the table to lure Rigg to St James' Park although a £25m fee could be required to get him.
Rigg's contract at Sunderland runs out in 2027, but Newcastle won't want to be trumped by a Premier League rival for his services, given the time they have invested in scouting the star.
Howe knows that there is more than just pride to play for in the remaining 10 games with a Champions League qualification set to unlock further funds. Newcastle raked in the best part of £3m from their gate receipts, merchandise sales and prize money after the Carabao Cup victory over Liverpool.
The revamped Champions League - which is now a 36-team Swiss style super league - earns clubs £15.6m just for playing in the group stages while a further £1.7m goes into the kitty for a win and £587,000 is earned for a draw.
With or without Champions League, Howe will get money to spend after achieving one of the club's main objectives in winning a trophy this term and qualifying for at least the Europa Conference League. But his flexibility will be enhanced if he makes it to the top five.
As far as outgoing business is concerned, Newcastle could sell stars like Sean Longstaff and Matt Targett this summer while Callum Wilson and Jamaal Lascelles may also leave for pastures new.
