Newcastle United are facing a crucial summer transfer window as Eddie Howe's side aim to secure a return to the Champions League spots. The club have been linked with attacking reinforcements following Anthony Gordon's departure but must also strengthen their defensive ranks.
Full-Back Concerns
Kieran Trippier's exit at the end of the season underlines Newcastle's obvious issue at full-back, with Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall representing the only recognised specialists on both flanks. Lewis Miley and Dan Burn can deputise, while youngster Leo Shahar continues his development, but signings are required.
Goalkeeping Situation
The goalkeeping position also remains unclear, despite agreeing a £24.2million deal for Reims starlet Ewen Jaouen. Howe may still pursue a senior keeper, raising questions over Nick Pope's future at St James' Park.
Centre-Back Stability
Newcastle appear more settled at centre-back but could begin preparing for the future should the right opportunity present itself. Here is how their defence could look by the end of the transfer window, in an ideal world.
Goalkeeper
The signing of Ewen Jaouen could signal the arrival of Newcastle's long-term first-choice keeper after winning the battle for his services. The 20-year-old will challenge for a starting berth following an excellent campaign in Ligue 2, but may not be an automatic pick, despite Newcastle choosing not to retain loanee Aaron Ramsdale.
The club have been linked with other goalkeepers who would expect to be first choice, including James Trafford. Newcastle could revive their interest in the 23-year-old, who has found regular game time hard to come by after opting to return to Manchester City last summer. The Manchester Evening News has reported that City would likely demand in the region of £40m for the England international. It would mean spending approximately £64m on two new goalkeepers and moving on Nick Pope, but it may be necessary for Newcastle to realise their ambitions.
Goalkeeper: Trafford, Jaouen.
Full-Back
The position that Newcastle arguably need to strengthen most urgently this summer. Tino Livramento is short of competition at right-back and is currently out injured. Chronicle Live reports that Strasbourg's Guela Doue is on the club's shortlist. The 23-year-old, who is valued at roughly £17m by Transfermarkt, provided six assists in 24 Ligue 1 appearances last season.
Lewis Hall must remain as the established first-choice left-back amid reports linking him with Manchester United. The 21-year-old will enter the new campaign with something to prove after missing out on England's World Cup squad, and now Gordon's departure has alleviated the financial pressures, there is no reason to sell him. Bringing in Celta Vigo's Oscar Mingueza on a free transfer could prove a canny piece of business, as the Spain international is capable of playing in both full-back roles, as well as at centre-back. The 27-year-old also missed out on a World Cup place but would add significant experience to Howe's ranks.
Right-back: Livramento, Doue. Left-back: Hall, Mingueza.
Centre-Back
Newcastle ought to have few worries regarding their centre-back options. Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, Dan Burn and Fabian Schar form an impressive quartet. The decision to hand Schar a one-year extension means a new centre-half is not an urgent priority. Nevertheless, with both Schar and Burn now 34, Newcastle should stay alert in the transfer market.
Reports from Spain have linked the club with Racing Santander prospect Jorge Salinas. AS claims that the 19-year-old has a £6.9m release clause which doubles at the beginning of July. Salinas would represent a long-term investment for Newcastle, who could opt to loan him out next season.
Centre-back: Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Schar, Salinas.
