Eddie Howe may be alarmed by what Emil Krafth just said on his Newcastle career

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Emil Krafth may have just set alarm bells off in Eddie Howe’s office after he stated ‘there is nothing I can influence’ whilst discussing his Newcastle United future, via Fotbollskanalen.

The Sweden international believes his Toon career is now entirely out of his hands ahead of the next transfer window. He will have just one year left on his St James’ Park contract come the end of the season, having penned a four year deal upon joining for £5m in 2019.

Steve Bruce sought to bring the right-back to Tyneside from Amiens to add another threat beside DeAndre Yedlin and Javier Manquillo. But Krafth has never earned the status of the club’s first-choice, and saw Howe target an upgrade this January in £12m Kieran Trippier.

Yet Trippier needing surgery for a foot injury in February opened a door for Krafth to play regularly. The 27-year-old has since started five of the club’s last six Premier League games and replaced Trippier against Aston Villa. Howe has only rested him away to Chelsea since.

But the 38-cap full-back’s recent exploits may ultimately only serve to place his services in the shop window this summer. TEAMtalk have cited Krafth as one of seven stars Newcastle will likely make available for a transfer. But the board are yet to make their final decisions.

Krafth admitting there’s ‘nothing’ he can do about Newcastle stay may alarm Howe

Yet Krafth admitting he feels his Newcastle future is now out of his control may alarm boss Howe. The Swede also notes he is none the wiser as to the club’s plans for his Toon future.

“No idea, actually,” he said. “I focus on being here and now. I have a contract with the club and everything else that happens, will happen.

“There is nothing I can influence. I have a contract with Newcastle and if something happens this summer, I will have to take it then.”

Krafth’s comments may alarm Howe as they suggest the defender has no desire to try and prove he warrants a future with Newcastle. Trippier’s injury gave the Swede a chance to show why Bruce lauded him so highly. Yet he seems to lack a craving to stay next season.

“The beauty of him is the versatility,” Bruce said last year, via The Shields Gazette. “What he does give that position is pace in that area, which is important when you’re outside of a centre-back. I’m pleased with the versatility. He’s a great pro. He’ll never let you down.”