EDDIE HOWE confirmed that Newcastle will jet off to Saudi Arabia for a training camp after Saturday’s game at Leeds.
Toon are owned by the Gulf nation’s Public Investment Fund but the Magpies boss did not reveal whether he and the squad will meet Saudi officials including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Newcastle don’t play again until February 8 after the international break and FA Cup fourth round weekend.
They’re set to play a game while there, and Howe hopes the break in Jeddah will breathe new life into their survival bid.
Howe said: “I think it’s worthwhile. The facilities will be first-class and we’ll be well looked after.
“A lot of the Covid protocols at the training ground encourage isolation, quite rightly, but it doesn’t help foster the team spirit and togetherness you’ll need in the battle to stay in the division.
“It’s important that we encourage that unity so going away is a great idea.
“We’ll try and do some good work and come back with a united squad.”
The trip is certain to attract negative attention given Saudi Arabia’s human-rights record.
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But Howe added: “It is a football decision. It will be a work training camp with a game – it’s vitally important people know we will be very active.
“We are doing it for the benefit of the players in our fight to stay in the division.”
Howe also revealed that he does not expect any new arrivals before tomorrow’s clash at Elland Road following a “fruitless” week in the transfer market.
The Magpies have been pushing to sign Sevilla defender Diego Carlos and Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard.
But Howe said: “It’s been a slightly frustrating week for us.
“We are against a deadline and are desperately trying to improve the squad.
“But it’s been a fruitless search this week.
“It’s been a very difficult window, and I don’t anticipate that changing.”
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