Giorgio Scalvini speaks to the media.
Giorgio Scalvini speaks to the media. (Image: Getty Images Europe)
Newcastle United will be looking to ramp up their summer transfer business heading into the month of July with Eddie Howe's side in need of reinforcements ahead of their return to the Champions League.
The Magpies have been linked with a number of high-profile targets, including Bryan Mbeumo, Marc Guehi, Dean Huijsen and Matheus Cunha, but are yet to welcome a first-team signing to their ranks this summer.
On the face of things, the Toon appear to be 'missing out' on a number of big-name stars, but their best business has often come out of the blue and moved quickly.
Chronicle Live has taken a look at what we would do this summer given the latest transfer news and speculation;
£51.7m-rated defender signs on the dotted line
Reports this week have seen Newcastle linked with a swoop for promising young centre-back Giorgio Scalvini and it's not the first time the Magpies have taken note.
Manchester United were told it would cost them a reported £51.7million to sign the Italian international, during the most recent January transfer window, but the Red Devils opted not to splash the cash.
The Magpies are expected to bolster their ranks in the heart of defence with a number of players like Fabian Schar approaching the latter stages of their career. Signing a player with his best years ahead of him, with plenty of Serie A and European experience already, would be a shrewd piece of business.
"Scalvini will have a great career. At his age I have seen few talents like him," claimed Roberto Mancini - the former Italian national team head coach who handed him his international debut in 2022.
Newcastle-linked Giorgio Scalvini from Atalanta. (Image: LightRocket via Getty Images)
The young defender has already graced the turf at St James' Park as part of SELA Cup action back in 2022, where the Magpies ran out 1-0 winners.
James Trafford issues ironed out
Newcastle are also expected to go all-out to sign another rising star in James Trafford. The Magpies have been repeatedly linked with Burnley's stopper across the most recent transfer windows and came close to signing the England youth international last summer.
Agreeing a fee with the newly-promoted Clarets appears to be a sticking point, with Scott Parker's team looking for a fee above the £30million 'asking price' doing the rounds in the media at this moment in time.
Trafford's potential arrival would likely mean an overhaul in the goalkeeping department.
Joao Pedro bolsters Eddie Howe's attack
It's been no surprise to see Joao Pedro linked with a move to St James' Park once again this summer. The Brighton striker was understood to be on the Magpies' radar during his time at Watford, with Howe a big fan of the 23-year-old forward.
He scored ten goals and notched a further six assists in 27 appearances for Brighton last term and would provide depth in the striker's position. Newcastle know they have a world-class talent in Alexander Isak, but being able to rest and rotate the Swede will get the best out of him ahead of a congested fixture period.
Pedro won't come cheap but, just like Scalvini and Trafford, has his best years ahead of him. Various reports claim Brighton will ask for a fee in excess of £60million for his signature this summer.
Newcastle have been linked with a summer swoop for Brighton's Joao Pedro.
Six players depart
Newcastle know they'll need to trim up their squad if they want to continue to compete for major honours. Last season's Carabao Cup success brought the club's trophy drought to an end and a return to the Champions League is a huge boost for PSR.
It's no secret that the club's goalkeeping department needs an overhaul - while the arrival of Trafford would mean there'd be six first-team goalkeepers in their squad. With Martin Dubravka and Mark Gillespie on the books for next season, the club will likely try and move Odysseas Vlachodimos on.
John Ruddy has not yet signed a new deal with the Magpies, while Nick Pope continues to be linked with a move to Leeds United. If Newcastle are able to recoup a fee for Pope and Vlachodimos, that'll stand them in good stead in terms of balancing the books.
Callum Wilson is another man who's yet to agree a new deal having been offered a fresh contract on incentivised terms. His contribution to the Magpies cannot be questioned, but it's probably the right time to part ways, if they can't agree to new terms.
Sean Longstaff would be yet another emotional departure having come through the ranks with his boyhood club. Everton and Leeds are two reported interested parties and a sale would go down as pure profit in the eyes of PSR, with the Magpies' academy graduate well down the pecking order.
Matt Targett is another who the club should look to cash in on this summer. Lewis Hall made the left-back position his own last season - with Dan Burn and Tino Livramento also capable of playing there - and Targett made just two top-flight appearances last season.
How to follow our NUFC WhatsApp channel
Did you know you can now get Newcastle United stories on WhatsApp? As well as our NUFC communities, we also have a channel dedicated to sending you the best news, opinion and analysis on all things black-and-white.
All you have to do is follow our channel on WhatsApp by clicking this link or you can find us by searching Chronicle Newcastle United.
Updates will then automatically appear if you select the Updates option on your WhatsApp menu and selecting the 'Chronicle - Newcastle United' channel. It's as easy as that. There are already thousands signed up, but remember to turn your notifications on so don't miss out.