‘I love him’… Eddie Howe says £19m player is brilliant but Newcastle can’t sign him

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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe knows Dominic Solanke very well, but will not be able to bring him to St James’ Park this month.

The 26-year-old emerged as a target for the Magpies this week, with a report claiming that Newcastle United had launched an enquiry for the in-form striker.

It was rebuffed by Bournemouth, who are keen to keep Dominic Solanke at the Vitality Stadium.

But the rumour certainly sparked interest from Newcastle fans, who began to debate whether or not he would be a good signing during the ongoing January transfer window.

Personally, I think he would be a good addition, but he would cost an absolute fortune. And that appears to be why he will not be heading to Tyneside this month.

Eddie Howe speaks out about Dominic Solanke to Newcastle rumour

Ahead of Newcastle’s game against Manchester City, Eddie Howe spoke to the media. He was asked about rumours linking his side with a move for Solanke.

“It’s a frustrating story,” he said, as reported by Sky Sports.

“I love Solanke. I signed him for Bournemouth and rate him very highly.

“But we have not made an inquiry for him and we don’t have the ability to sign a player of that level.”

Newcastle just can’t afford a player like Solanke this month

Solanke is a player who Howe knows very well. He brought him to Bournemouth back in 2019 for £19million, and waxed lyrical about the striker’s potential.

He is certainly realising that potential now, with Solanke boasting 12 league goals this season. Only Erling Haaland and Mo Salah have scored more.

But for all of his ability, Howe is adamant that his club will not be signing him this month, nor have they made any attempt to.

That is due to profit and sustainability rules hindering what Newcastle can spend during the January transfer window. Howe is eager for new arrivals, but that is proving to be easier said than done.

The club are very mindful of financial fair play, while January is notoriously a difficult month to do business in.

So for all of Howe’s admiration for Solanke, it does not look like it will be going any further than that.