By Kevin Phillips

24th May, 2022 | 7:58am

Newcastle United news: Expert issues emphatic Eddie Howe claim amid talks update

Kevin Phillips has backed Eddie Howe to mount a challenge for the Premier League title in “five years” as he prepares to extend his Newcastle United contract.

The former Sunderland striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the “sky is the limit” for the 44-year-old so long as he is given the “players, finances, and the right tools to succeed”.

According to the Daily Mail (19 May), Newcastle United are set to open contract talks with Howe this summer with the club’s Saudi owners “delighted” with his tenure thus far.

The former Bournemouth boss fought off relegation fears to lead the Magpies to an 11th-place finish – with his efforts earning him a Premier League Manager of the Year nomination.

No English manager has lifted the top-flight trophy in the Premier League era.

However, Phillips insisted Howe has got what it takes to lead Newcastle United to glory.

“He’s got such a great work ethic and a real knowledge for the game,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.

“You can see that coming through in the team’s performances, even in such a short space of time.

“He’s organised that side brilliantly. Every player knows his job.

“It’s about recruitment now. He needs the players, the finances, and the right tools to succeed – then the sky is the limit for him.

“We’re not talking about a challenge in the next two or three years. It’s going to be about five years before they can challenge for the Premier League. But why can’t Eddie Howe do it?

“In the meantime, it’s about qualifying and pushing to be in Europe.

“That will open doors for them in the transfer market.”

In other news, pundit tells Newcastle United to sign ‘£20m’ Dean Henderson alternative after latest twist.