It could be a huge summer for Newcastle United. Having closed the gap on the top six in super-quick time, making the next step is the challenge for the ambitious club.
A little over 15 months ago, Newcastle were in the bottom three of the Premier League, staring relegation in the face. Fast forward to the present day and the Magpies are challenging for a European place and have reached the final of the Carabao Cup. It's been an incredible turnaround.
The last month, however, has illustrated that there is still some way to go before the team can challenge consistently with the big boys. The strength in depth of the squad has at times been exposed, and the limitations of certain players become evident.
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FFP has constrained how much Newcastle's new Saudi ownership can spend on players, but when the summer transfer window opens on July 1, expect some serious business as the club aims to bolster Eddie Howe's resources even more.
The transfer rumours have already began in earnest, with Newcastle being linked to a host of attacking options in particular. Former Leeds United winger Raphinha, now at Barcelona, was the latest name mentioned in a potential £49million swoop, while long-term targets such as Leicester duo Youri Tielemans and James Maddison, plus Bayer Leverkusen ace Moussa Diaby and Arsenal full-back Kieran Tierney, remain linked with a summer move to Tyneside.
Who would you like to see Newcastle sign in the summer? Take part in our poll above and let us know in the comments section which player you think Dan Ashworth & Co should prioritise.
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