Eddie Howe emerged from end-of-season talks with Newcastle's Saudi backers convinced they remain fully committed to the club's ambitious vision despite what he described as "challenging conversations" at Matfen Hall this week. The 48-year-old manager met with PIF chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan for the club's annual review, with Newcastle sitting 14th in the Premier League and eight points clear of the relegation zone.

The timing proved significant, coming just as PIF announced their decision to stop funding LIV Golf after investing more than $5bn into the breakaway tour. Howe revealed he did not seek assurances about future financial backing but insisted the owners' determination to succeed and grow the club in every aspect remained unchanged. "The desire is unchanged, to try and get to the top of the Premier League, to try and win as many trophies consistently as possible," he said.

Howe has twice guided Newcastle into the Champions League and ended the club's 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy during his four and a half years in charge. Despite a run of nine defeats in 12 Premier League games, Gary Neville has backed the manager, calling him an "eight-and-a-half out of 10" who deserves full trust. Joelinton returns from suspension while Anthony Gordon could feature against Brighton on Saturday.