Newcastle United CEO Darren Eales has lavished praise on Eddie Howe.

The club's manager is enjoying the time of his life at present, as the club find themselves in a top four position in the Premier League.

While Howe has been allowed to spend significant funds since the club's takeover by a Saudi Arabia-led consortium, his work with their existing players is even more impressive.

Eales said, per Chronicle Live: "It's not just about spending money and bringing in players from outside. "What he's done with that core of that squad that's just gone from strength to strength.

"You've seen it from last season. It was amazing to finish where we did, but with a pre-season, and the way we've almost kicked on again in terms of style of play.

"Eddie talks about 'intensity is our identity'. From my perspective, the way he went on the front foot against Manchester City was incredible."