Eddie Howe admits £4.5m player could ‘possibly’ leave Newcastle soon, but wants him to stay

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Eddie Howe has spoke out about the future of Javi Manquillo, who has been linked with a move away from Newcastle United this summer.

The Spaniard has not featured in either of Newcastle‘s games so far due to injury, but is now back in training heading into the final week of the transfer window.

It has been reported this summer that Manquillo is no longer part of the long-term plans at St James’ Park, while he is attracting interest from multiple clubs in Spain.

A move away from Tyneside would make sense for the 29-year-old, as he has only slipped further down the pecking order. The arrival of Tino Livramento means that Manquillo is now Howe’s third choice right-back, and he could drop down to fourth once Emil Krafth returns to fitness.

Leaving the club could probably be for the best for the £4.5million man, but Newcastle manager Howe has admitted that he would actually like to keep Manquillo beyond this summer.

Eddie Howe admits Javi Manquillo could leave Newcastle

Ahead of Newcastle’s game against Liverpool, Howe spoke to the media. He was asked about Manquillo’s fitness and a possible move away for the right-back.

“He’s back with us,” he said.

“He went for a period of training abroad but he’s back and we hope he’ll train today.

“Possibly [he could leave]. That will depend on what he wants.

“For me, I’m trying to build the squad as deep as we can for the robust season that we have ahead. At the moment it seems very calm, but we’re going to have games coming as soon as this international break comes. After that we’ve got a really intense period of games so we need the depth in the squad.

“I’d like him to say but it will be in his hands.”

A Newcastle exit would make sense

Manquillo has been a useful player over the years for Newcastle, but he is no longer needed.

There is no chance he will ever be a starter again, with Kieran Trippier streets ahead of the former Liverpool man. And if Trippier can’t play, Howe is surely going to opt for the young man who just cost Newcastle £32million.

The Magpies have invested a lot of money into Livramento, and will have high hopes that he can eventually replace Trippier in the coming years.

While Howe wants as much depth as possible, keeping Manquillo really isn’t necessary. If he has the option to leave then now would be the perfect time to bring an end to his Newcastle United career.