While Euro 2020 takes centre stage, Magpies head coach Steve Bruce is quietly planning for next season in a bid to bolster his squad.
Bruce has publicly spoken of his desire to bring Joe Willock back to St James’s Park but Arsenal’s stance over the 21-year-old remains unclear.
Plenty of transfer speculation is circulating around the web – and this is how Newcastle’s starting XI COULD line-up next season if the rumours turn out to be true:
5. CB: Kyle Bartley
Bartley, recently relegated with West Brom, is out-of-contract this summer with Newcastle reportedly among the Premier League clubs monitoring his situation. Photo: Shaun Botterill
6. LWB: Jetro Willems
Newcastle are considering a summer move for Willems, who hasn’t played a competitive match since rupturing his ACL in January 2020. Photo: Michael Steele
7. CM: Joe Willock
Now a firm fans’ favourite. Steve Bruce has not hidden his desire to turn Willock’s successful loan spell from Arsenal into a permanent one. Photo: DAVID KLEIN
8. CM: Jonjo Shelvey
Under Bruce, Shelvey is undroppable. The midfielder will enter his seventh season on Tyneside after joining from Swansea City in January 2016. Photo: LEE SMITH