Eddie Howe has issued a strong warning against Newcastle dishing out relegation clauses to their January signings.
The Newcastle boss landed Kieran Trippier today from Atletico Madrid in £12.5m deal.
And the Geordies have also stepped up their bid for Lille centre half Sven Botman, their top defensive target, with more money being offered for the £30m prospect.
Trippier has put his international career on the line by joining Newcastle who are second bottom with just one win and facing the drop.
Newcastle are targeting internationals to improve every position, but relegation and playing in the Championship next season ahead of the World Cup in Qatar, would harm their prospects.
Howe though wants stars to have “no way out” and is demanding full commitment and no excuses from new signings.
Asked about using relegation clauses to reassure new players, Howe said: “We have half a season left and I want players who want to come and are absolutely committed to turning the situation around.
“Offering relegation clauses is a sure fire way to potentially bring players in who don’t have the correct motivation.
“So we take each situation on an individual basis. I would never state clearly whether we are or we are not. Each individual situation is different.
“But I want players who are absolutely committed and have no way out, and think I have got to make this work. I think that is the only way we will get success.”
Howe says he will take full responsibility for all signings this month but says it is a “collaborative” process with the new Saudi owners and Amanda Staveley who is running the club.
He said: “We are looking at a more collaborative effort. I have been pleased as to how the relationships have formed. Ultimately as the manager I have to take full responsibility for everything that happens. I am prepared to do that.
“I will take full accountability for players coming in.
“There is no way I can watch every player who is put to me. But in signing a player I have to know everything about them, strengths and weaknesses. Real detail. And that takes time. That’s why I am looking slightly tired. This month is a big shift.”
On the arrival of Trippier, Howe said today: “We are delighted with the signing. A player I know well from our time at Burnley. He will bring a lot on and off the pitch, a winning mentality and he is driven to succeed.
“He is an outstanding technical player, brings calmness, attacks well, and is a top defender.”
“We have not intended it to be a statement signing. It is the right player for the right position. We want his mentality in a relegation battle. He is up for the fight, relishing it and wants the challenge. But also a longer term vision of what the club can do for his career.
“It is a sign the club has a huge pull. He hasn’t come for the financial benefits, he has come for the challenge and the long term vision.
“Hopefully other players around the world will share his vision.”
