Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe faced questions over his January transfer plans on Friday as he previewed Sunday’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace at St James’ Park.

Howe acknowledged the club is once again having to carefully navigate the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, making a major January signing unlikely.

“We’ve spent a lot of time talking about PSR and we’re back at that point of the year again,” Howe said. “When you talk about a marquee signing, you’re talking about a big financial outlay, and I don’t think that’s the desire this month.

“Any signing we make now will impact what we can do in the summer, so we need to be sure we make a smart decision. Our injury situation will define what we do. If everyone is fit, we have a really balanced squad. But if we lose players, particularly defensively, that changes things.”

Osula speculation

Howe also addressed reports linking young striker Will Osula with a move away from the club during the January window, amid limited first-team opportunities.

“There’s no expectation from me that Will will leave,” Howe said. “The only way we would consider that is if it benefited his development, but always with a view to him coming back to us.

“He’s injured at the moment, so our priority is getting him fit. We’re hopeful he’ll be back towards the end of the month. He was in a good place before the injury and has been frustrated by the setback. Decisions on each player will be taken when the time comes.”

Palace threat

Turning his attention to Sunday’s opponents, Howe insisted Newcastle would not underestimate Crystal Palace despite their recent struggles for results, praising the work of manager Oliver Glasner.

“It will be a difficult game — their away form is very good,” he said. “They’re solid, tough to score against, and it goes without saying how good a job I think Oliver has done.

“They’ve lost a few players but they are still a very good team. We won’t underestimate them. Being back at home is a boost, but it’s a game we need to prepare for properly.”

Howe also highlighted the importance of home fixtures during a congested period.

“Any home game is a positive for us,” he added. “We’ve been strong here for a long time. Minimising travel in a hectic schedule really helps. January will be a season-defining month for us, and we need a strong start.”

League position and pressure

Newcastle currently sit 13th in the Premier League table, though Howe noted they remain just four points outside the top five.

“It’s been a difficult season so far, but the points gap is minimal,” he said. “That’s a big ‘if’, but if we can put a run together, things can change quickly. We are running out of opportunities, so the focus has to be there.

“I’ve identified this as a season-defining month. There are some exciting things to look forward to across all competitions.”

Injury update

The Palace match will come too soon for Sven Botman and Anthony Elanga, though Howe confirmed both are close to returning.

“They’re both very close,” he said. “Sven has been training with the group, which has been great, so I envisage him being around very soon. Anthony hasn’t trained with us yet but is close.

“Emil Krafth is a bit further back, but Tino [Livramento] and Kieran [Trippier] have worked really well and are close. Lewis Miley was magnificent against Burnley, but getting a couple of full-backs back fit will be a big boost for us.”

Howe also eased concerns over Lewis Hall, who was forced off during the win at Burnley.

“He should be OK,” Howe said. “We’ll have a closer look today, but I don’t see it being a big problem. Lew is technically excellent, very attacking and front-footed, and he’s only going to improve the more football he plays.”