Newcastle United chiefs have been given the full backing to make a flying finish in the summer transfer window, with a hectic bank holiday weekend in prospect for CEO David Hopkinson and sporting director Ross Wilson.
The Magpies have tried hard to keep their business under wraps all summer, but there is a steely determination to make at least one more big-name signing before the window slams shut. Wilson is believed to be watching the Matias Fernandez-Pardo situation carefully, with Newcastle keen on the player but knowing Lille are holding out for a huge fee of around £60m.
European scouting mission
Hopkinson has been jet-setting in Europe in the last couple of days and is determining prices for targets. One of those targets is thought to be Stuttgart's Bilal El Khannouss, a player that Matthias Jaissle would love to add to his squad before summer trading is done.
Jaissle is believed to have made it clear to both Hopkinson and Wilson that the squad still needs a couple of additions if he is to deliver what Toon chiefs want this season. While United are essentially managing expectations this summer, and not making big calls on where the club can finish, the theme from Newcastle's top brass has been clear.
Indeed, one insider told Chronicle Live: "We want everybody to be absolutely relentless in chasing aims in every department." That will be fully put to the test this weekend as Newcastle look to add to their seven summer signings.
Club in a good place on and off the field
There has been a lot of narrative around Newcastle from commentators outside of the club that the Magpies have not progressed since the early windows of the takeover, and the club lacks leadership going into the crucial build-up period to 2030 when PIF chiefs want to see the club in the top bracket of sides around the world.
But insiders believe that Newcastle are not only in a good place ahead of the new season but also ahead of the next few windows. With Newcastle now on top of the SCR issues that resulted in a UEFA fine, one source said: "There is now a sustainable strategy and a clear definition of what success looks like. There's a path and a plan."
Millwall Carabao Cup date set
United's third round cup date with the Lions has now been confirmed by the London club, with the clash taking place on September 8 with an 8pm kick off. The tie will see United pick up some extra Sky Sports revenue, with the game being televised on Sky Sports Main Event.
Prices for Newcastle fans are still to be determined, but seats in the home end for adults are £26 for a seat, compared to £12 for their Carabao Cup tie with Coventry last season.
