Eddie Howe has warned Newcastle United don’t have a blank cheque to sign a new striker.
The Saudi Arabia funded club have upped their hunt for a replacement for Callum Wilson, and were quoted £50m for Patrik Schick, winner of goal of the tournament at the Euros last summer.
The Geordies are casting around across Europe trying to land a goal-scorer before their huge relegation clash with Watford on Saturday.
Wilson is out for two months with a calf tear and Czech Euros star Schick is priced at £50m by Bayer Leverkusen.
Burnley ’s Chris Wood has been asked about, Howe is also exploring the chances of getting Dominic Solanke out of his former club Bournemouth, and Liverpool ’s Divock Origi is also on their list.
However despite huge backing to relaunch the club, Howe is adamant they won’t be ripped off… and don’t have unlimited funds.
Newcastle ’s league position is a big hurdle and they have won just once in 21 games this season, and scored just 19 league goals.
After the FA Cup defeat to Cambridge co-owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi said: “We have to just keep going, keep going… there is no other way.”
They are weighing up whether to match Lille’s £42m valuation of Dutch centre back Sven Botman.
But Howe said: “No, we certainly don’t have a blank cheque. We are trying to be smart, right players at the right price.
“We are working in the right way with good people coming for the short and long term benefit to Newcastle United.
“You need to be aware of certain finances. I am not involved in negotiations. But you have a knowledge of what is being paid and making decisions. You have to run the club in an intelligent way.”
Schick says he is happy in Germany and added: “I’m really, very happy in Leverkusen and I want to go to the Champions League with the club. At the moment it is not at all an issue for me to think of another club.”
Howe is only one cog in Newcastle’s player hunt, but says he will take responsibility for anyone brought in who is not his idea.
He said: “We're looking at a more collaborative effort. I'm really pleased with how our relationships have formed and those opinions are being formulated.
“But ultimately, as the manager, I'm aware that I have to take full responsibility for everything that happens - I'm prepared to do that.
“That's how I've always worked, I'll take full accountability for all players coming in. We are working as a team.
“There is no way I can watch every player that has been put to me. But certainly when it gets to signing a player I have to know everything about them, in real detail.
“That takes a lot of time. That's why I'll be looking slightly tired this month, it's a big shift.”
