EDDIE Howe has outlined the importance of keeping his Newcastle United squad together in January, insisting he "doesn't want to lose anybody".

Interest this week emerged in Martin Dubravka, with Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab keen on the keeper, while Miguel Almiron - a fringe figure this season - has been linked with a January exit.

Howe would love to add to his squad in the winter window but admitted earlier this month that "trading will be essential" to ensure the Magpies can continue to stay on the right side of Premier League spending restrictions.

That puts Howe in a tricky position, with the head coach extremely reluctant to sanction the exit of any members of his first team squad.

"I think that's a very good question," he said.

"I'm aware of the links and rumours. I'd love to keep the squad together. I don't want to lose anybody, we don't have the biggest squad already so losing players would be very difficult.

"But we do have players returning from injury, the likes of Sven will make a big difference. But certainly losing players isn't in my thoughts."

RECOMMENDED READING:

• Sandro Tonali message in wake of quarter-final win - with new goal threat explained

• Eddie Howe's Sven Botman prediction with Fabian Schar out of first leg of semi-final

Newcastle's spending in the summer of 2023 contributed to the mad dash earlier this year to sell players in order to avoid a points deduction.

Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall and Sandro Tonali - who all arrived in last summer's window - weren't instant hits but are now major players for Howe.

Newcastle's boss said: "We loved the players we signed. Everyone put a lot of work into identifying those players and believing they were the right players for the short and long term. There's love and attachments for these players.

"I have to have a vision for how they'll fit into the team and see their profile and see how it's going to link to how we play. I believe in those players a lot and it's great they're doing so well."

Howe's attention has now turned to Saturday's trip to Ipswich, with Newcastle heading to Portman Road having scored 12 goals in their last four outings.

Howe said: "When you look back at recent performances we've looked a much better attacking unit, we have our attacking rhythm back.

"Crystal Palace game was a freak of a game, we didn't attack well. But Liverpool and Brentford and the last two home games we've been back to our best in that respect."