Gabby Agbonlahor questions Eddie Howe future amid Newcastle transfer frustration

Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor believes Eddie Howe could consider leaving Newcastle United if the right opportunity arises, as frustration continues to grow over the club's transfer window.

Newcastle have endured a difficult summer, missing out on several key targets while seeing Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali depart. Bruno Guimarães has also been linked with a move away, leaving Howe's squad looking considerably weaker ahead of the new campaign.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Agbonlahor suggested Newcastle's ambitious project has stalled and questioned whether Howe still sees a long-term future at St James' Park.

"I look at Eddie Howe and I think, to be honest, he's waiting to be, not sacked but told, 'Let's go our separate ways'. I don't think that, personally, that he wants to stay at Newcastle."

He continued:

"If there was another job open for Eddie Howe, I think he would move. I think Newcastle and Eddie Howe have gone as far as they can. The investment that Newcastle fans and Eddie Howe thought they would have had, they aren't going to have because of these financial rules."

Agbonlahor also sympathised with Newcastle supporters after a string of failed pursuits in the transfer market.

"I feel sorry for them because there's so many names they missed out on. I've got to read 10, 11 out. It's getting a bit draining. If I'm Eddie Howe, I'm probably picking the phone up to the sporting director, 'Ok, we've missed out on another one'. Newcastle fans, 'We've missed out on another one'."

The former England international believes the situation is becoming increasingly difficult for everyone connected with the club.

"It's getting to the stage where it's getting quite embarrassing. If I'm a Newcastle fan, it's very frustrating, especially when you're losing Tonali, Gordon and Guimaraes wants to go. It's a difficult time for Newcastle."

Newcastle are expected to continue pursuing reinforcements before the transfer window closes as Howe looks to rebuild his squad. While speculation over the manager's future has intensified following Agbonlahor's comments, there has been no indication from the club that Howe's position is under threat.

Do you agree with Gabby Agbonlahor, or is Eddie Howe still the right man to lead Newcastle United forward?