Journalist Dean Jones has claimed that Newcastle United’s next move in the market could be ‘crucial’ in how their upcoming season plays out.
The Magpies have so far added three signings, with left-back Matt Targett making his loan move permanent, while Nick Pope and Sven Botman have also arrived to shore up the defence.
However, they stepped away from a deal for striker Hugo Ekitike when his agent’s demands got out of hand, further demonstrating their methodical approach to the transfer window despite their newfound riches.
Jones has now stated that the club are meticulously working out where to strengthen next as they look to make an impact in the first half of the season, before perhaps regrouping and strategising following the World Cup this winter.
He told GiveMeSport: “Newcastle are just plotting their next move at the moment.
“This is really crucial, the final pieces to this Eddie Howe team could determine how quickly they can push up this league if they can make a good start to next season.
“Then they get that break in the middle of it for the World Cup and then go again from January.
“Maybe you could add another one or two in January and then this could be a really exciting season.”
TIF Thoughts on Newcastle…
Will Newcastle United sign two attacking players this summer?
Yes
No
The uber-talented Moussa Diaby has one of the names heavily associated with a move to the north-east in recent weeks, but the centre-forward position does seem the most obvious area in need of recruitment.
Eddie Howe has put together a rigid backline and has the talent of Bruno Guimaraes in his midfield, while up front, he is going to need cover for Chris Wood and Callum Wilson.
Despite a productive output for the Toon, Wilson has been a liability due to his injury troubles, while Wood – a £25m January addition – hasn’t managed to set St James’ Park alight with just two goals in 16 appearances.
While the Ekitike transfer remains ‘dormant’ at present, perhaps those talks could be rekindled – or maybe alternative targets Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Armando Broja will be pursued.
Either way, it is encouraging for Newcastle supporters to see that their club are carefully deliberating over their intentions ahead of what could be an exciting season on Tyneside.