Aston Villa's announcement of a deal for highly-rated winger Leon Bailey has led Newcastle United fans to once again lament the Magpies' lack of ambition in the transfer market.
Villa confirmed an agreement has been reached with Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday afternoon for the Jamaican international, subject to a medical and personal terms being agreed.
The transfer for one of the Bundesliga's most exciting prospects is seen as another statement of intent from Dean Smith's side, following on from the club-record deal for playmaker Emiliano Buendia earlier this month.
In contrast, United are the only Premier League club yet to make a senior signing this summer with Steve Bruce confirming on Friday that the Magpies have not made any bids for targets.
The return of Joe Willock following a prolific loan spell last season is still seen as a priority, and the head coach insists there are 'one or two irons in the fire' with the season opener against West Ham a fortnight away.
Newcastle's transfer strategy has repeatedly come under scrutiny during the Mike Ashley era, and recent reports indicate Bruce could be operating on as little as £10m this summer.
Villa are preparing for their third season back in the Premier League having secured a return to the top-flight two years after the Magpies lifted the Championship title.
The announcement of a mid-table rival making another significant move in the transfer market has led frustrated Toon supporters to once again lament their own club's ambition.
One fan wrote: "Villa agreeing a deal for Leon Bailey from Leverkusen just sums up how far behind we are. That signing alone shows ambition from a club who are trying to move forward in the Premiership.
"We might scrape a couple of loan signings at best. Another relegation scrap incoming."
Another supporter posted: "Aston Villa/Leicester that’s how proper ambitious clubs are run.
"They know they can’t keep there [sic] top players forever but they invest heavily and quickly to replace, even before players are sold. If only.."
A third fan commented: "As a #nufc fan, it's so annoying to think that we can only dream of this kind of signing these days.
"These are the players we used to be in for and we'd get them over anyone except the likes of Man. United or Liverpool. We're probably the 20th most attractive club in the EPL now."
Another supporter added: "Came up one year after us and we can't even loan our best player from last season."
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