Eddie Howe admits he’s had no assurances from Newcastle’s hierarchy that there will be money to spend in January.
His team have lost six of their last seven matches, exiting the Champions League and Carabao Cup and slipping to ninth in the Premier League.
They are also dealing with a list of absentees that still runs into double figures and it is thought that Howe would like reinforcement in the new year.
Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips is a loan target, although sources said earlier this month that the loan fee was prohibitive at north of £7million. However, that could come down once the window opens.
The loss of goalkeeper Nick Pope has been felt in recent weeks and, while free agent David de Gea is under consideration, we understand there are concerns about the Spaniard having been without a club for six months.
Financial Fair Play also remains a concern for the Magpies, especially after missing out on the extra revenue from making the knockout stages of the Champions League.
And when asked if the Saudi-led owners had given him assurances over a January budget, Howe said: ‘No, we haven't had those assurances. I think it's a difficult month, as we always say when January comes around.
'It is a very difficult month to bring in quality players. Financial Fair Play continues to play a part in our decision-making, so let's wait and see.’
Howe, when asked if the club was in a position to do business, said: ‘FFP is something that I'm still coming to terms with, to understand myself. There are so many parts to it that are always moving. I'm not going to give you a clear answer to that. I think FFP is very active in our thoughts, we're trying to navigate it and work around it.’
There was always an acceptance internally that this season would be more difficult than last for Newcastle, as Howe added: ’Yes, it was always going to be tough. Last season was tough, but this season is tough in a different way.
'That doesn't mean you can't be successful and you can't achieve what you want to. We've had a few knocks, this month in particular has been difficult to take. Things have just gone against us, and I'm talking Europe and the Carabao Cup.
‘We looked like we were so close to getting there and going through. The players have had to take a few knocks and blows. But that isn't anything new, that's this game, it's full of these moments.
'It's your ability to bounce back and show you are strong enough and resilient enough to take those knocks and go again. That's where we are now. Let the dust settle, we've got no time to wait, this month is a big one for us.’
How is Howe handling the increased scrutiny?
‘I don't look at it like I'm in the spotlight now,’ he said. ‘I'm always in the spotlight and criticism is part of this job. It goes hand in hand with it. I've learned to accept and understand that and, no disrespect, but to blank it out and make sure I help the players. That hasn't changed for me.’