Craig Hope now shares ‘information’ in disappointing Newcastle transfer news

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Newcastle United are flying right now.

While three games are perhaps not the greatest of sample sizes from which to draw any definitive conclusions, Newcastle certainly looked to have turned a corner just before the international break.

The results against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup and both Arsenal and high-flying Nottingham Forest in the Premier League were brilliant. Indeed, the performances were equally as encouraging too.

• READ MORE: All of Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United signings, ranked

Such good form has raised hope about the season ahead. Owners PIF are understood to view this year as a great chance to attack the Premier League’s top five and go on deep runs in both domestic cup competitions and there are certainly now signs suggesting that could be possible.

Eddie Howe could no doubt use some help in the January transfer window, however.

Though the fact the Newcastle United manager is getting a lot out of his current squad without much in the way of fresh investment is a testament to his work on the training pitch, the right signings could give the team a boost mid-season.

Still, amid links with a new right winger or an added striker, Craig Hope has provided a concerning update.

Latest Newcastle transfer news is bad news for Eddie Howe

Indeed, The Daily Mail journalist was asked during a Q&A with supporters if Newcastle were going to move for a right winger in January amid suggestions Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo is a target.

The response was not exactly ideal.

“Everything I’m hearing is that there probably isn’t going to be the money in January for Newcastle to go and spend big on the profile of right winger they want,” he told a YouTube video.

“I know the likes of Bryan Mbeumo have been mentioned and yes he’s got admirers on the inside. How could he not? He’s a good player.

“But I don’t think there’s been discussion in regards to Newcastle making a January move for Mbeumo, that’s my information.”

Eddie Howe’s job at Newcastle gets even harder

Howe is understood to have been made aware that the target for the season is a top-six finish. To do that without many meaningful signings will be difficult, albeit there’s little to suggests its impossible.

What cannot be doubted, however, is the fact its made much more difficult without investment. PIF perhaps have very good reasons for not splashing the cash given the PSR world in which clubs are operating but it still deprives Howe of some fresh injections.

If he can lead Newcastle back into Europe without seeing his squad significantly strengthened, it would be some achievement.