Newcastle have plenty of work to do in the summer transfer market after a quiet January transfer window
Ross Wilson and David Hopkinson
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Newcastle United opted against strengthening their squad in the January transfer window meaning their next chance to change things will come after the end of this season.
The Magpies have kept their powder dry over the last month, meaning all eyes will be on the summer transfer window to judge sporting director Ross Wilson's recruitment ability.
There are clear areas Newcastle need to improve in the summer and there will be situations they need to address given the contract situations of a number of players.
With that in mind, Chronicle Live have taken a look at the seven positions Newcastle must strengthen in the summer transfer market.
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Goalkeeper
Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale have both come under fire at times this season and it is clear the Magpies need to move in a new direction in the summer.
United almost signed James Trafford last summer and the target is to find a goalkeeper who can combine Pope's shot-stopping ability with being adept with the ball at their feet.
Right-back
Kieran Trippier has been one of the best signings in Newcastle's history but, aged 36, there is a chance he is entering the final few months of his Magpies career.
The former England international is out of contract at the end of the season and, should he depart, United will look to sign a right-back to compete with Tino Livramento.
Kieran Trippier of Newcastle United
Kieran Trippier of Newcastle United(Image: Getty Images)
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Centre-back
Like Trippier, Fabian Schar is out of contract at the end of the season and he, too, could leave the club. There is more chance of the 34-year-old remaining at St James' Park for another year than Trippier, but a new centre-back should be sought regardless.
Dan Burn is also 33-year-old and a younger defender who can succeed Newcastle's veteran duo and compete long term with Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman would be desirable.
Left-back
Amazingly, Lewis Hall remains the club's only natural left-back. Matt Targett will leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the season and he is expected to make his loan stay at Middlesbrough a permanent deal.
Newcastle should have signed a left-back in the January transfer window. They have to sign one in the summer.
Matt Targett of Middlesbrough
Matt Targett of Middlesbrough(Image: Richard Lee/Shutterstock)
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Number 10
One of the biggest gripes with Newcastle this season is their inability to break down teams set up in a low block.
A creative number 10, who can unlock a defence with a killer pass while also offering Howe a Plan B to change up their set-up, feels like an absolute must in the summer.
Holding midfielder
Defeats to Barcelona and Aston Villa exposed Newcastle's struggles with combatting a team who play with a number 10 who operates in the spaces between the midfield and the defence.
Fermin Lopez and Emi Buendia both took full advantage in those matches and even on Saturday, Newcastle held very little control when Liverpool were hitting them on the counter.
A natural holding midfielder could be a solution to that problem. Either way, a new midfielder will likely be recruited if Joe Willock leaves the club amid interest from Fulham, Leeds United and Crystal Palace.
Emi Buendia of Aston Villa scores his team's first goal against Newcastle United
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Striker
It almost feels perverse to suggest Newcastle need to sign a striker given they spent £124million on Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa six months ago, but the jury is still out on the pair of them.
If they do not prove their worth between now and the end of the campaign, it may have to be a position they look at upgrading. Even if they do, a departure for Will Osula could see them sign a younger forward to compete with them.
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