FLOG ON THE TYNE

Howe knows he must sell to buy

- SIMON BIRD

EDDIE HOWE insists Newcastle can still afford to buy big-but only if they offload players.

The Toon boss is exploring ways to improve his squad with sporting director Paul Mitchell.

There will be a market for stars such as Bruno Guimaraes, who is attracting interest from Manchester City and could raise £80m, while £120m-rated Alexander Isak has turned heads across Europe with his five goals in seven games.

But Howe would rather follow the model of today's opponents Brentford and secure "smart" signings than cash in on his most prized assets.

Newcastle have seen their spending power clipped by Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules, and Howe says he can't offer clarity on what he will do in January.