The Magpies have the unenviable task of facing up to the newly-crowned champions as another weekend of Premier League action gets underway, but will be encouraged by the fact that they have lost just one of their last five matches, and have taken points from the likes of West Ham, Leicester City, and Liverpool in recent weeks.
Overall, the mood on Tyneside appears to be much more positive than it did a couple of months ago, and one player who is hoping to stick around is Paul Dummett.
The defender is out of contract in the summer, but is set for talks with Toon chiefs over a potential extension.
"Yeah, it certainly would be lovely to play my full career at Newcastle,” said Dummett, who made his senior debut eight years ago and was a fixture in the team during Rafa Benitez's tenure.
"But, at the moment, I'm concentrating on keeping Newcastle in the Premier League, and trying to finish the season as strongly as we can.
"Those conversations about keeping me in the club will happen at the right time, but, at the moment, I need to concentrate on playing games, and finishing the season as strongly as we can."
Dummett has featured 12 times in the top flight this season, scoring once.
We’ve gathered the best of today’s transfer speculation involving Newcastle and their Premier League rivals below...

5. Gunners open Ryan talks
Arsenal are set to hold talks over a deal to sign Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan permanently. (Football.London) (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) Photo: Catherine Ivill

6. Leeds in for Pereira
Leicester City, Leeds United and West Ham United have all been linked with a move for West Brom's £25m-rated winger Matheus Pereira. The ten-goal Brazilian ace looks set to leave the Hawthorns this summer, following his club's relegation. (Express) (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) Photo: Michael Steele

7. Murphy set to stay with Newcastle
Norwich City could be set for disappointment in their pursuit of Jacob Murphy as Newcastle United plan to trigger their option to extend the winger’s contract at St James’ Park. (Football League World) (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) Photo: Michael Regan

8. Jordan urges Palace to move for Dyche
Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan has urged his former club to swoop for Burnley boss Sean Dyche. (talkSPORT) (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) Photo: Catherine Ivill

