Newcastle United are on a high after claiming the Carabao Cup and will look to build on their success this summer as Eddie Howe builds a legacy on Tyneside.
Newcastle look to secure Champions League slot ahead of summer window
While the dust has barely settled on a whirlwind cup win for Eddie Howe, the Magpies know they will be in the Europa Conference League at the very least next season after a famous Wembley triumph over Liverpool before the international break.
Enjoying a free weekend, Newcastle return to action against Brentford next Wednesday as their pursuit of a top four Premier League finish continues. Five English teams are likely to earn admittance to next season's Champions League based on current trends, which may open up further leeway for a return to Europe's premier competition in the North East.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and Bruno Guimaraes celebrate after the match
In turn, the opportunity to compete against the best is bound to attract prospective recruits. According to reports, Fiorentina's Moise Kean is on the Geordies' wishlist as speculation over Alexander Isak's future dominates headlines.
Callum Wilson could leave on a free transfer and may be joined by several experienced first-team stars to make way for new blood at St James' Park.
Newcastle United contracts expiring in 2025
Callum Wilson
Fabian Schar
Jamaal Lascelles
Jamal Lewis
Mark Gillespie
John Ruddy
Defensively, Liverpool's Jarell Quansah is a target to replenish Newcastle's backline and may be available in the summer to the tune of £30 million plus add-ons.
Refreshing a squad with several players coming to the end of their cycle is the priority for Howe, who now has a financially advantegeous deal in his sights ahead of the window opening for business.
Joining the pursuit of one of the hottest properties on the market, Newcastle have made contact with Lille star Jonathan David's representatives over the possibility of a free transfer to St James' Park this summer.
Liverpool, Manchester United, West Ham United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also in the mix for his signature, competing against suitors such as Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Inter Milan from further afield.
Anthony Gordon looks dejected for Liverpool Related
[Better dribbler than Gordon: Newcastle now plotting to sign "crazy" winger](https://www.footballfancast.com/newcastle-plotting-move-to-sign-noni-madueke-already-held-talks-for/ "Better dribbler than Gordon: Newcastle now plotting to sign "crazy" winger")
He's free to leave his current club.
Labelled "unique" by Canada boss Jesse Marsch, David has registered 23 goals and ten assists in 41 appearances across all competitions this campaign. PIF have spent a considerable amount since taking over in the North East, but will hope they can pull off a masterstroke by landing a prolific soon-to-be free agent at no cost to bolster the ranks.
Showcasing his capacity to fit the brief of a modern centre-forward, the Brooklyn-born man has laid on 27 chances for his teammates in Ligue 1 - he is far more than just a goalscorer.
Like any high-profile star at a career crossroads, on-field minutes are likely to determine where he becomes most enthusiastic about heading to in the coming months. Now, the onus is on Newcastle to convince David he can become a regular under Howe.