Newcastle United's transfer window is now officially open for business, and a hectic summer is on the cards at St James' Park. The Magpies are looking to do at least four more deals, but that could increase depending on trading behind the scenes at Newcastle in the next few months.
Plan in Place
A well-placed Newcastle insider told Chronicle Live: "There is a plan in place - and it's one we are executing early."
The summer trading period kicks off with Ewen Jaouen already through the door at United after his £18.5m arrival from Stade Reims last week. It was not what you'd call a statement signing but offered a glimpse of Newcastle's new transfer policy, with younger players the priority and the club entering talks with targets, candidly telling them that St James' Park can be their stage to a brighter future.
With SCR rules tightly bounding the Magpies, a £240m shopping spree at Newcastle is unlikely unless there are big-name departures, but budding Toon stars are being told that they can be the next Anthony Gordon and use the club as a platform to impress, whether that be with the Magpies to earn a lucrative deal or getting a dream move like the Scouser got to Barcelona.
Newcastle feel that the success stories of Gordon, Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento and Dan Burn, who have gone on to be fully-fledged England internationals, show that the process does work on Tyneside.
Active Transfer Business
With transfer business now active, Newcastle begin the summer window deep in talks with Osasuna over a move for Spain star Victor Munoz but the left winger is not the only target - far from it. Howe ended the season at Fulham, warning he has 'a lot of positions' to fill, and despite heading off down a side street outside Craven Cottage to be whisked away for his summer break, the head coach has remained alive and alert on deals.
Howe remains the driving force at Newcastle but has an excellent rapport with sporting director Ross Wilson, and the pair believe they can get deals done together.
Victor Munoz Talks
The Magpies have been in what you would call advanced talks with Osasuna for about two weeks now but he has been on their radar for over a year. A £34.5m deal is the desired outcome, but Osasuna want their clause triggered and Newcastle want to make sure the price structure is right for them.
A complex situation - pretty much a three-way chat - is in place as Real Madrid will pocket 50% of the proceeds for Munoz and the La Liga giants want a new buyback clause in place, which would be set at a fee that benefits Newcastle.
The player himself likes the idea of signing for United, and the personal terms are satisfactory for the Spain international. One note of caution is that Newcastle aren't completely alone in the race for Munoz, but Osasuna, with Barcelona and Sunderland also having the star on their radar.
What Howe Wants This Summer
The head coach has already got the goalkeeper he wanted in Jaouen, but it is believed that the youngster was told to expect another competitor for the No 1 spot. James Trafford is high on Newcastle's wish-list, and Chronicle Live has been told there have been fresh enquiries for the England star.
The ex-Burnley man was close to joining Newcastle last summer but had no choice but to return to Man City after a buyback clause was activated at the 11th hour. Newcastle would have to pay over £35m to get him this time, but that would almost certainly see Nick Pope sold to a Premier League rival.
Howe also wants a right-back, a right winger and a central midfielder and if there is enough funding left, a younger hungry centre-forward willing to be coached for the top level.
The Exit Door
Departures are inevitable on Tyneside this summer, and there will be more following Gordon out of the door at St James' Park. The two unpopular exits would be Sandro Tonali and Lewis Hall, with both attracting interest this summer. Tonali has a £100m price tag and is admired by Man City, Arsenal and Man United - but whether Newcastle get their price remains to be seen. Hall is wanted by Man United and Chelsea have been credited with interest but there has been no fall out - as reported - with Howe and Newcastle's backroom team don't want him to go.
In fact, a large quota of Toon players have a price on their shoulders and there could be a couple of surprises thrown in. For a start, Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock and Jacob Murphy could be sales that Howe considers if he gets assurances on other deals. The likes of Alex Murphy and Sean Neave could also leave at some stage on loan but will get pre-season to impress the boss.
