Eddie Howe has given his clearest indication yet that Anthony Gordon will leave Newcastle this summer.
Gordon has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich and, after returning to full fitness after a hip injury, has not been included in the starting XI for the games with Brighton or Nottingham Forest.
Asked ahead of Sunday’s game with West Ham if that was with one eye on the England international not being at St James’ Park next season, Howe said: “When you get to this stage of the season, part of what we’ll be doing is looking to next year. Anthony has just come back from injury, the team has played well in his absence and with a partial view to the future, yes.”
Howe refused to confirm Gordon would not be involved against the Hammers at the weekend, though.
“If it’s the right thing for the team and, as I say, I put the team and the club above any individual, then I would play him of course,” he added.
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Newcastle not in the market for a striker – Howe
It has been a largely underwhelming season for Newcastle, who go into the weekend in 13th place in the Premier League table.
They have struggled to replace the goals of Alexander Isak and spent the money generated from his sale to Liverpool poorly with the likes of Nick Woltemade, Yoane Wissa, Jacob Ramsey and Anthony Elanga failing to make an impact.
Despite that, Howe does not believe the club will be in the market for another striker over the summer.
“Certainly not at the moment,” he said. “In terms of striker numbers we’re healthy in that position. It has been a challenge for us trying to find the right balance, find a way to continually score goals and create the number of chances that we want to. I don’t think we’re quite there yet.
“But Yoane has had fitness issues, Will [Osula] has really grown late in the season, Anthony has played there, Nick has played there and done well early in the season, so I think the players are there. We’ve just got to bring it all together and make it work.”
Howe demands no let-up from Newcastle against struggling Hammers
Although there is little riding on Sunday’s game, for Newcastle at least, Howe is demanding a strong finish from his side.
He said: “It is massive for us. Last home game here this season and it is really important to finish the season with a positive feeling. There will be no part of our preparation that will be any different. We have trained hard and trained well and we have to do ourselves justice.”
Visitors West Ham are desperate for a win. They are in the relegation zone, two points adrift of Tottenham and safety.
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