Window's a pain for Ed

NEWCASTLE head coach Eddie Howe admits his transfer plans have been torpedoed by the departure of a second sporting director in as many summers.

- Simon Cass

Howe, below, lost Dan Ashworth last year and his successor Paul Mitchell also left last month.

Anthony Elanga is the Toon's only buy this summer, while the club are also dealing with speculation about striker Alexander Isak's future.

A frustrated Howe said: "My wish was to do our business early. We certainly tried but it was not to be. We have had a frustrating time losing targets to other clubs.