EDDIE HOWE admits Newcastle United will be looking to make more signings like the one that took William Osula to St James’ Park this summer as they attempt to ensure they remain compliant with the Premier League’s financial rules.

Osula was regarded as a promising prospect when he joined the Magpies in a £10m move from Sheffield United this summer, but the 21-year-old still headed to St James’ Park with just 12 senior league starts to his name.

Howe handed Osula his first Newcastle start in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup third-round win over AFC Wimbledon, but has shied away from using the Danish Under-21 international in the Premier League even though Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson have both been unavailable because of injury.

That suggests the Magpies boss does not think the youngster is ready for the top-flight, but with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability regulations continuing to severely restrict Newcastle’s ability to spend significant sums on new players, Howe concedes there will continue to be a need to recruit unproven talent.

“I’d probably say that will be something that will be on our lips,” said the Newcastle boss, whose side set up a fourth-round tie with Chelsea as they saw off Wimbledon. “We have to find untapped gems and develop players to become top players.

“There has to be a mix in recruitment, I don’t think there’s any one profile that’s the standard-bearing signing. We’re going to need ready-made players and players you can develop, we’re going to need a mix.”

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Howe was satisfied with Osula’s performance against League Two opposition on Tuesday, although he also admitted the youngster’s display confirmed where he is currently at in terms of his development.

There were flashes of real potential as Osula led the line, with his work-rate and willingness to aggressively close down opponents commendable. However, he got the ball caught under his feet when threatening to break clear in the first half and drifted in and out of the game for lengthy spells.

“I think there were some really bright flashes for him,” said Howe. “But I think he knows he has areas of his game to work on, like any young player.

“Like I said before the game, we're working on those with him. It was a performance of promise, and he probably could have scored a couple of goals. How close is he to the Premier League? Time will tell, and his performances will dictate that.”

Collectively, Newcastle were a long way off their best as they scraped through with a 1-0 win, although Howe accepts it can be hard to find yourself taking on the Premier League champions one day then have to line up against League Two opponents three days later.

“You have to understand the psychology,” he said. “You go from Manchester City to this game, they're totally different and it's difficult for the players coming in.

“But, individually, you have to put that aside and show your best qualities in order to give yourself the best opportunity of playing again. I probably think, knowing the standard of the players, some of them didn't do that.”