Newcastle boss Eddie Howe rules out sensational transfer move for wantaway Man Utd ace Cristiano Ronaldo
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EDDIE HOWE does not want to sign ageing superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo to spark a Newcastle revolution.
The minted Magpies are turning away from short-term fixes as they plot a way to the top of the tree.
Howe admitted he is making special plans to stop 37-year-old Ronaldo at Old Trafford on Sunday.
But he added: “It is not really a signing we would necessarily look to make.
“We’re trying to provide long-term growth, we have got a longer-term vision.
“We have quite an ageing squad, so we need to invest in more young players.
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“That’s a big part of our progression — we need to get the average age down.”
The Portuguese legend has played all but 30 minutes of Manchester United’s last three games — bagging his 700th club goal in the process.
Ronaldo also scored twice in last year’s corresponding fixture against Newcastle, a 4-1 win for United, on what then seemed to be his stunning second coming at Old Trafford.
And Howe added: “It just shows how good his record is, how good his career has been, it puts it in focus again.
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“The quality is unquestionable and we are going to have to be very, very good against him if he plays.
“We’re going to have to brief our defenders on the areas from where he wants to score. It’s something we have to be aware of.”
The Red Devils just squeaked into the top six last season, while Liverpool’s struggles this term might help open up a European spot for Toon.
It is certainly where the ambitious and upwardly mobile Tynesiders hope to be by May.
But Howe warned: “Liverpool will come again I’m sure, they’re still obviously an outstanding team.
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“We’re very early in the season to make snap judgments on what’s going to happen.
“However, it is very clear that we want to be there, we’re trying everything we can to be the best team we can be. But the competition is also very strong.”