Steve Bruce has made it clear that he will knock on the door for transfer funds ahead of the summer transfer window.
His main priority will be Joe Willock of Arsenal after a fantastic loan spell in which the midfielder scored eight goals.
Negotiations on bringing the player back at least on a season long loan deal will now get under way.
Bruce, speaking after the 2-0 win at Fulham, said: "We’ll try to keep him. We have to respect he’s Arsenal’s player.
"When you watch him, you can look at a young player enjoying himself, and why shouldn’t he be?
"The goals he’s scored, he’s in elite company. Unbelievable. So we’re delighted.
"Can we keep him? We’ will try our very, very best.”
Bruce suffered some severe criticism this season, but Willock's arrival was his work behind the scenes and down to a good rapport with Mikel Arteta and Steve Round.
Reflecting on the deal, he said: "When you sign a young player, and you take them from London, fair play to his family, who have supported him, and he wanted to come.
"He’s thoroughly enjoyed it, which helps.
"But, yeah, as an impact, he has to be, with the problems we’ve had. He gives us that wonderful running power from midfield, which, I think, is there for everyone to see.”
Owner Mike Ashley watched on from the stands at Fulham yesterday, and now Bruce's task is to ask for more funds.
He said: "At every club, we all want to succeed.
"Newcastle finishing 12th, that cannot be judged as an achievement.
"We’re pleased, don’t get me wrong from where we were. We’ve got to do better than that, that’s my job, to knock on the door, and make us better.”
