Eddie Howe set for crucial talks with Newcastle chiefs as speculation mounts over his future | OneFootball

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is set to meet the club’s hierarchy on Thursday for a crucial debrief following a challenging season that has seen the team’s Premier League ambitions falter.

Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan and director Jamie Reuben are expected in the North East to join Howe, chief executive David Hopkinson, sporting director Ross Wilson, and other senior officials.

The summit, held at Matfen Hall in Northumberland, aims to review the campaign and chart a course for the future amid growing speculation surrounding Howe’s position.

While the meeting has been long-planned and is described by Tyneside sources as a routine annual review rather than "showdown talks”, the atmosphere is anticipated to be considerably more tense for Howe than in his previous four and a half years at the helm. The manager has spent the preceding days preparing for Saturday’s pivotal home fixture against Brighton.

Howe will hold talks with Yasir Al-Rumayyan (left) and Jamie Reuben (right) (PA)

The Magpies currently languish in 14th place in the Premier League, having endured a dismal run of form with five consecutive losses across all competitions and nine defeats in their last 12 league outings.

With just 42 points, they sit a mere eight points above the relegation zone with four matches remaining, a situation that has caused significant disquiet among sections of the fanbase.

Despite reaching the League Cup semi-finals, the FA Cup fifth round (both ending in defeat to Manchester City), and progressing to the Champions League last 16 before losing to Barcelona, the club’s prospects of securing European football for next season are now all but mathematically extinguished.

The departure of star striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool in a £130m transfer last summer has been cited as a significant factor. Howe was subsequently permitted to invest over £250m in new signings, including Nick Woltemade, Yoane Wissa, Malick Thiaw, Anthony Elanga, and Jacob Ramsey, who have experienced mixed fortunes during their time on Tyneside.

Howe’s future is undoubtedly on the agenda. Early indications suggest that the credit earned from steering the club away from relegation, securing a first major domestic trophy in 70 years, and overseeing two Champions League campaigns will likely afford him the opportunity to continue. Nevertheless, the season’s failings and potential solutions will be high on the discussion list.

Beyond immediate concerns, new revenue streams will also feature prominently. The club was compelled to sell St James’ Park to a subsidiary company to comply with domestic spending rules, and faces ongoing challenges to meet European regulations, with the absence of Champions League revenue next season representing a significant blow.

Longer-term plans for a new training ground and either a redeveloped St James’ or a purpose-built stadium are also in the pipeline.