The Magpies have shown their muscle in the window by submitting three bids this week as they look to keep key figures content
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe and (inset left) Alexander isak and Anthony Gordon and (right) Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe and (inset left) Alexander isak and Anthony Gordon and (right) Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is eager to see some ambition shown to the rest of his squad.
Not only is Howe keen to sign some much-needed additions to bolster his squad, with the likes of Lloyd Kelly, Miguel Almiron, Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh not replaced yet, there is also the need to keep ambitious squad members such as Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak convinced that United are going places in the long-term.
Bruno did not hold back in the direct aftermath of the 1-0 defeat against Everton back in May. With the adrenaline still running after Newcastle stumbled over the line to the Champions League on goal difference, the Brazil international and Toon skipper was candid with his views.
Speaking to Sky Sports after losing to Everton, Bruno said: "We are not the level that I want. I think for next season we are going to need more players to be honest with you."
In a week that has resulted in Newcastle cranking up talks for Joao Pedro, Anthony Elanga and James Trafford, there has at least been a show of intent with those ambitious signings hopefully soon to follow.
It is understood that total bids in the region of £120m have gone in for Pedro, Elanga and Trafford. And while there have been not green lights yet, there is clear intention from Newcastle finally spend big.
Nicolas Kuhn interest from Germany and Italy
Newcastle have looked closely at Nicolas Kuhn of Celtic with the German winger edging closer to the exit at Parkhead.
Kuhn's old club RB Leipzig are interested in the star while Serie A side Como are also keen. Reports in Italy say there has been an approach from former Barcelona and Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas for his services.
Fabregas is head coach of Como these days and wants to offer Kuhn the chance to play on arguably a bigger stage than the Scottish Premiership. The argument being that at 25, he could use Italy as a platform to earn a bigger move elsewhere.
However, it looks like Newcastle are examining other targets despite building up plenty of scouting data on Kuhn.
Pundit Chris Sutton isn't a huge fan of the player, saying: "I have my doubts Celtic would get £15m for the German this summer, for a start.
"There will be a time to sell Kuhn. But now is not the time."
James Trafford truth emerges
Big claims are now being made about James Trafford agreeing personal terms with Newcastle ahead of his long winded exit from Burnley.
However, the truth is Trafford agreed terms LAST summer knowing that he would pick up around £100,000 per week had his move from the Clarets to St James' Park went through.
The England international's fee is the only sticking point and having failed to nudge up from around the £20m mark last summer, Burnley feel that Trafford's form last season - with 29 clean sheets - combined with a 20% sell on fee has bloated the keeper's valuation in the last 12 months.
It feels like Trafford is ready to sign if Newcastle can just agree that transfer fee with the Turf Moor club.