Howe optimistic despite quiet transfer window

Eddie Howe is aiming to lead Newcastle to their second Carabo Cup final in two years

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says his squad is "lighter in numbers but high in quality" following player departures and no signings in January.

Defender Lloyd Kelly, 26, has moved to Juventus on loan, while 30-year-old Paraguay winger Miguel Almiron rejoined Atlanta United on a permanent contract.

It is understood Newcastle believe the deal for Kelly - who will sign for the Italian side permanently in the summer - could strengthen their position when it comes to Profit and Sustainability rules (PSR).

"I'm trying to make decisions that benefit us in the long term, and this is one of those decisions," Howe said of Kelly's move.

The Magpies hosts Arsenal on Wednesday in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final holding a two-goal advantage from the first leg.

Howe said while the opportunity for Kelly to join Juventus is exciting, he was "very reluctant" to let the former England Under-21 international leave.

"We future plan and make sure that we control everything in terms of our PSR level, so I think we've done that. I think it's been successful in that regard," he added.

"I said right at the start, in the build up to the window, that it was not a case really of looking at incomings, it was a case of trying to manage outgoings really and trying to not weaken the squad to a point where the team's affected.

"There's still no reason why we can't be successful but yes, hopefully the future looks a little bit brighter."

Kelly signed for the Magpies on a free transfer in June after his contract with Bournemouth expired.

However, he has made just 10 appearances in the Premier League this season and has not started since November.