Howe has hinted at surgeon-like strikes if they're to buy in January.
After victory over Crystal Palace, Howe discussed the winter market: "The maverick sort of playmaker type has to fit into the team. The success here has always been built into the team.
"It is one to 11 working in unison so whoever you get who is the 'bag of tricks' has to fit into the team structure.
"So I wouldn't do something or bring in an individual that harms the team. It has to be to the team's benefit."
He also said: "I think the glass has always been half-full for me. I have to live in that world. I'm very realistic, and I'm very clear with my players, and I review very objectively. I will always give an honest opinion to my players and to the press here in terms of what I see.
"But under-pinning that is always a positivity because I always have to believe that there is better around the corner. The other way of thinking just wouldn't work in this role."