Eddie Howe ‘is aiming to lure Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards to Newcastle’ as new boss bids to kickstart his project… with the man responsible for Salah and van Dijk signings ‘set to leave Anfield’
- Eddie Howe has put pen to paper as the new Newcastle manager until 2024
- To begin his new project, Howe is keen for a reunion with Michael Edwards
- Both men worked together at Portsmouth in the early 2000s and are friends
- Edwards is expected to leave his role as Liverpool’s sporting director next year
New Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is aiming to lure Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards to St James’ Park as part of his ambitious project, reports claim.
Former Bournemouth manager Howe took the reins at the club this week, his first job since quitting his south coast role, and remains good friends with Edwards.
The Northern Echo have said Howe is keen to work together again with the renowned transfer guru at the start of his bid to turn his side into a powerhouse.
New Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is reportedly targeting a reunion with Michael Edwards
Liverpool sporting director Edwards (left, pictured with Jurgen Klopp and owners FSG’s president Mike Gordon) will reportedly leave Anfield next summer
Edwards’ deal at Anfield runs down in the summer and it has been reported that he has told club chiefs about his decision to step down after several successful years.
As a result, that would allow him to pursue other avenues in the sport, and the looming rebuild at Newcastle may well represent a tempting prospect for him.
He has worked with Howe in the past while at Portsmouth in the early 2000s, and appears to be the man the former has turned to ahead of the winter window.
Renowned transfer guru Edwards is friends with Howe and worked with him at Portsmouth
Virgil van Dijk (left) and Mohamed Salah (right) are two of Edwards’ most successful signings
The same report also goes as far as saying that Howe, ahead of his unveiling, met Edwards during Liverpool’s victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Any reunion would be a coup for Newcastle’s new management and ownership, especially in light of Edwards’ stellar track record in the transfer market.
Indeed, he has been responsible for bringing the likes of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson and Sadio Mane to Liverpool during his years working there.
Should be accept Howe’s proposal, Edwards would be handed access to Newcastle’s formidable new war chest, with a number of high-profile names already linked.
Howe took charge of his first Newcastle training session yesterday following his 6.55am start
Former Bournemouth boss Howe got into Newcastle’s training centre early ahead of training
It is also said, though, that Liverpool have not given up on persuading the 42-year-old to commit to another deal.
Meanwhile, Howe has looked to settle quickly into his new surroundings after leading his first training session during the international break.
Fresh faced and eager to hit the ground running after signing until 2024, Howe reported to Newcastle’s training ground just before 7am.
He will take charge of his first match on Tyneside on November 20, with a home game against Brentford to come. They will enter the clash in 19th place.
Howe will then have eight more top-flight clashes before the next window opens and the world’s richest club look to invest their newfound riches.
Speaking after putting pen to paper, Howe, 43, said: ‘It is a great honour to become head coach of a club with the stature and history of Newcastle United.
‘It is a very proud day for me and my family.
‘This is a wonderful opportunity, but there is also a lot of work ahead of us and I am eager to get onto the training ground to start working with the players.
‘I would like to thank the club’s owners for this opportunity and thank the club’s supporters for the incredible welcome they have already given me.
‘I am very excited to begin our journey together.’