The Magpies are ready to make significant moves in the summer transfer market
Georgio Scalvini, Anthony Elanga and James Trafford
Georgio Scalvini, Anthony Elanga and James Trafford
Newcastle United will not sit back on their laurels after completing the £55m deal to sign Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest. Magpies fans have had to wait until the sixth week of the summer transfer window for the first major deal, but are now hopeful for more positive news ahead of the pre-season schedule.
Eddie Howe has given Steve Nickson and United's recruitment team a clear brief when it comes to targets, with the pace expected to pick up on new additions in the coming weeks.
Elanga's arrival is a big bonus for Howe, who had urged the club to act quickly in terms of recruitment this summer.
While there was no early movement, despite the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Man United strengthening with big-money moves, the fact Elanga is part of the squad in the first week of pre-season will have delighted the United head coach.
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Newcastle head to Austria for a training camp next week and then return to the UK for the first of their summer friendlies against Celtic next Saturday (July 19).
There then follows a trip to the Far East for three games as United face Arsenal in Singapore and two games in South Korea against Tottenham and a K-League All-Star side.
Newcastle are hopeful of having more new faces in their squad for that game at Celtic, with Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford thought to be closest to a move. Untied are continuing dialogue with the Clarets over a deal and a breakthrough could come in the next few days.
Trafford was involved with England in June but has now returned to training with Burnley, who are preparing for life back in the Premier League.
As well as a goalkeeper, Newcastle will step up their attempts to bring a new central defender to the club, with Atalanta's Georgio Scalvini high on their wishlist.
The Italian outfit will demand in the region of £52m for the young defender, who has also attacted interest from Manchester United this summer.
Newcastle have other options and will monitor Edmond Tapsoba's situation at Bayer Leverkusen, while Marseille defender has been mentioned as a cheaper alternative. The Argentinian is priced around the £30m mark.
A decision on Sean Longstaff's future could determine United's third transfer priority, with the North Shields-born midfielder the subject of a £12m from Leeds United. Newcastle won't stand in his way if he decides to leave, but it could mean a tweaking of the focus.
Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher has been linked with a £40m move although whether he would want to compete with Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes for a first-team place is questionable. Coventry's Jack Rudoni could be a more realistic target, with the attacking midfielder able to play in a No 10 role.
United will continue to assess striker options as they look for a back-up to Alexander Isak, but much could depend on William Osula's form in pre-season.
The young striker impressed for Denmark at the U21 EUROs and has now had a full season working under Howe and his coaching staff. United have seen glimpses of what he can do, and if he can step up over the summer, could form a key part of a six-man interchangable frontline, along with Isak, Elanga, Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy.