A Premier League manager has now broken his silence regarding reports linking his club with sensational moves for both Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar.
With his side now looking bound to qualify for what would be their first UEFA Champions League campaign since the 2002/03 season, Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has addressed claims linking his side with the blockbuster signings of the superstar pairing.
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After the Magpies were sold to the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund in October 2021, the side has enjoyed a steady rise to contention for European competition, and are now third on the Premier League table with five games to go until the end of the season.
The seemingly imminent prospect of qualifying for the Champions League, as well as Newcastle's vast financial resources, has led to speculation of a superstar signing should they successfully finish in the top four.
The two footballers they are most recently linked with are currently shrouded in speculation about their future at their respective clubs, with Neymar looking the more likely to consider a move after Paris Saint-Germain fans stormed the front gate of his home chanting on Wednesday night, demanding that he leaves the French giants.
As for Ronaldo, reports in Spain earlier this week suggested he wants to leave Al Nassr, with both Real Madrid and Newcastle linked.
However, Magpies boss Howe has now dismissed claims that his team is in the running to sign players of Ronaldo and Neymar's stature.
"I think that kind of speculation has been there from day one since the takeover really," Howe said in a press conference, per Chronicle Live.
"Naturally everyone has then assumed the biggest names in world football will be going to Newcastle.
"Now we've not recruited that way and financially we can't recruit that way at the moment, but also we have to bring the right players into the group.
"I will say the transfer market is such a complex decision, there's a lot of thought needed.
"You can't just pick a name, there has to be a lot of thought going into it, both financially and looking into players."
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Newcastle will face title challengers Arsenal in a crucial clash at St. James' Park on Sunday, with the hosts being one of only three teams the Gunners have failed to beat so far this season, alongside Southampton and Manchester City.
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