Grealish on the Man City subs bench.
Newcastle United continue to be linked with a swoop for Jack Grealish.
Newcastle United know this summer is a huge opportunity to kick on and consolidate their place as a Champions League outfit.
The Magpies will return to Europe's elite competition - next campaign - to make it their second appearance in the competition in three years. It's a welcome progression as the Toon look to establish themselves as one of Europe's elite clubs.
Eddie Howe's side wrote their own history last season after winning the Carabao Cup - and that proverbial monkey is now off their back heading into this season. Sure, they don't want to rest on their laurels and know they will need to be active in the transfer window to strengthen their squad.
With the window now officially open, ChronicleLive looks at just some of the things that we'd want to see happen in the next few weeks if we were in charge;
Jack Grealish agreement
Newcastle might not be in a position to splash the cash and bring in Jack Grealish on a permanent transfer, but a loan move would be ideal for all parties.
The England international would be a huge addition to Howe's squad, capable of playing across the frontline and bolstering the options up front ahead of a return to the Champions League.
You'd back the Newcastle head coach to get the best out of Grealish, too, who should also thrive playing in front of the St. James' Park faithful.
If City can agree to pay a portion of his wages - as they have with players like Kalvin Phillips in recent loan moves - then it could be a win-win for all parties, but you would expect Pep Guardiola's side to push for a permanent move this summer.
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England shirt sale
Dan Burn and Anthony Gordon have been called up for England duty and the official has cut up to 25% off the latest shirts and full kits ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.
Fans can save up to £25 on the current Home and shirts, including and editions. There's also discounts on shirts with , with Burn shirts expected to hit the shelves soon.
Kim Min-jae signs
The Magpies have once again emerged as a potential suitor in the race to sign Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae. The South Korean international was linked with a switch to St James' Park during his stint with Napoli in 2023.
However, it was the Bundesliga giants that won the race for his signature. He hasn't quite operated at the same level since his transfer to Germany and Bayern are reportedly looking to cash in on his services this summer for a discounted fee in the region of £29.5m.
Min-jae made 27 appearances for Vincent Kompany's team as they won the Bundesliga title, also making it three domestic league titles won in three different countries for the 28-year-old. He'd be a shrewd addition at the back with plenty of experience in European football and is about to enter his prime.
His price tag makes him a much cheaper alternative to the likes of Dean Huijsen and Marc Guehi, who have both also been linked with a move to St James' Park this summer.
Alexander Isak support
Much of the talk away from Tyneside is about which club will be able to prise Alexander Isak away from St James' Park, much to the distaste of Newcastle supporters. It goes without saying, keeping him at the club this summer is a must, but the Magpies also need to bring in support around him.
With Callum Wilson still yet to commit to a new contract, he's set to leave the club, with Will Osula acting as Isak's understudy. In truth, the young striker could probably do with a loan move - and bringing in someone like Jonathan David on a free transfer makes a lot of sense.
The Canada frontman is set to become a free agent after agreeing to leave Lille at the end of his contract, and has scored goals for fun in France. He's shown he has what it takes to operate at an elite level and would be a good bit of business for the Toon, although his wage demands must match the club's current wage structure.
Isak has had his fair share of injury problems and being able to rotate to ease the burden on his shoulders will be a major factor in any success next season.
Treasure a season to remember
Newcastle United's 2024-25 campaign has to rank as one of the best in living memory. Not only did Eddie Howe's side qualify for the Champions League by securing fifth place in the Premier League, but they ended their long wait for silverware by winning the Carabao Cup
Our special Chronicle end-of-season edition celebrates an incredible campaign for the Magpies, with in-depth analysis, ratings and interviews of a season to remember.
Click here to buy online and have it delivered directly to your door, or you can purchase it in participating supermarkets, high street retailers, and independent newsagents from June 4, 2025. Online postage and packaging costs apply.