Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford shoots past Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace
Bryan Mbeumo and Marc Guehi could join forces at Newcastle United
Newcastle United want to act fast in the summer transfer and won't allow the imminent exit of sporting director Paul Mitchell to hamper their plans. The Magpies are ready to spend again after having their hands tied by financial fair play restrictions in the last three windows.
Eddie Howe has spoken of the need for speed, but has cautioned against expecting too many deals for big-name stars, with the United boss preffering to stick with the strategy which has served the club well to date.
However, with key positions in line for strengthening, and the challenges of dealing with at least eight Champions League games next season, he is very aware that his squad needs to be beefed up. There will be some significant arrivals in the coming weeks and months, and don't be surprised to see a few exits as Howe looks to refresh his squad.
The window opens for business on Sunday, June 1 for 10 days, before opening for the summer on Monday, June 16. Here's where United currently stand on some key deals and what may happen in what is set to be an exciting few months
Centre-back - movement expected at long last
One year on from their protracted negotiations for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, Newcastle are ready to finally get the deal done. The England star has long been at the top of United's wishlist when it comes to central defenders, but after not being able to agree a deal last summer, confidence is how high of movement.
Guehi only has one year remaining on his current deal at Selhurst Park, and while Palace boss Oliver Glasner has warned they will not sell all their top stars this summer, he did acknowledge that some exits were likely. Newcastle want to act quickly, and avoid a situation where Palace lose the likes of Adam Wharton and Eberechi Eze and then can play hardball over Guehi.
There are other defenders on United's radar, with AC Milan pair Fikayo Tomori and Malick Thiaw and monitored for some time.
Right wing - United have a No 1 target
The list of right-sided attacking forwards linked with a move to St James' Park is seemingly endless, but Newcastle have a strong shortlist when it comes to their specific targets. Very near the top of that is Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo, with the Cameroon star enjoying another impressive Premier League season.
There will be competition for his signature, but like the situation with Guehi, United will want to act quickly and get a deal done without a long, drawn-out bidding war.
Southampton's Tyler Dibling and Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo have also been linked, but the asking price could prove a stumbling block, with Mbeumo proving beyond doubt that he has what it takes to succeed in Howe's side.
Goalkeeper - several names in the frame
Newcastle have a big decision to make in the goalkeeper department. Will they stick with Nick Pope for another season or make their move for an new shot-stopper this summer? Certainly there have been plenty of names linked with a role.
Burnley's James Trafford is a man United have been closely associated with for some time, with interest 12 months ago. He has enjoyed a successful season with the Clarets in the Championship, but his pricetag will have gone up following promotion.
Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia looks likely to move in the coming months, with a £21m asking price, but there is interest from Spain as well as England. Many fans were interested to hear reported links with Borussia Dortmund's Swiss keeper Gregor Kobel. The Bundesliga side are under pressure to reduce their wage bill and could be tempted into a deal for the 27-year-old, although are expected to want around £45m for his services.
Striker options - Isak 'problem'
Newcastle desperately need some more cover for Alexander Isak up front, especially if Callum Wilson leaves this summer. The problem is how do they attract someone good enough to the club when Isak is clearly going to be first choice.
United have spoken to Liam Delap's representatives over a deal, with the Ipswich striker available for £30m. He would tick many boxes in that he is a striker of huge potential, but still developing after an impressive season at Portman Road. However, he has spoken to several other clubs, with Chelsea and Manchester United leading the chase for his signature.
Newcastle have Will Osula as a back-up option, while Anthony Gordon can also play through the middle, but finding the right player to fit the bill could be the hardest task of the summer.
Long-term target Jonathan David is close to making a decision on his future after confirming he would leave Lille on a free transfer, but has no end of options. Victor Osimhen remains keen on a Premier League move, but would either be happy to play second fiddle to Isak?
Contract decision
The scenes at St James' Park on the final day of the Premier League season would suggest Callum Wilson has made his decision on his future. The Newcastle No 9 is out of contract at the end of June, and looks set to leave the club, along with Jamal Lewis.
United could yet offer a pay-as-you-play style deal for Wilson, but with offers likely to come in from other clubs - including Premier League new boys Leeds United - the experienced striker looks set to be heading for pastures new.
All other players have deals beyond this summer, with the exception of Mark Gillespie, The veteran goalkeeper plays an important role behind the scenes, but his future remains unclear.
Potential exits and a midfield dilemma
It may not be just Wilson heading for the exit door. If Newcastle want to spend more than their current limit, then they could bankroll more investment by offloading players. Of course they want to keep their elite stars at the club, but could face some big decisions on several established players.
Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock are two who have been linked with moves away, with Leeds United and Everton interested in North Shields-born Longstaff. As a homegrown player, any transfer fee would count as pure profit when it comes to PSR, and having slipped down the pecking order, it is thought he would be open to a move.
Fulham and Crystal Palace have been linked with Willock, and it remains to be seen whether United will include the former Arsenal star as part of any bid for Guehi. The issue is that both will need to be replaced so the squad can handle the rigours of competing on four fronts next season.
United had previously been linked with a move for Lille's Angle Gomes, who will leave the French side on a free transfer next month, but with a strong midfield trio already in place, it will again be a difficult sell to any established star.