The Magpies rallied towards the end of last season to ensure they stayed well clear of the relegation zone, and will be looking to take their positive momentum into the 2021/22 campaign which gets underway in August.
Meanwhile, ex-Newcastle man Andros Townsend has been reflecting on his time at the club and the demands of the Toon Army, and said: “The fans and their expectation... I wouldn’t say they expect more than what they have, because that is the job of the fans. You want your team to do better.
“It’s the right of the fans to expect (that), and us players are the same. Those Newcastle players will be thinking ‘we are better than 13th, we should be aiming 10th, nine, eight, seventh.
“I never met him (Mike Ashley) – (managing director) Lee Charnley does most of his stuff on a day-to-day basis, but Newcastle is a massive, massive club, and I loved my time at Newcastle.
“Hopefully, they do get back to where they belong, which I think is definitely in the top half of the Premier League.”
Here are today's biggest transfer stories and the latest team news involving Newcastle United and the rest of the Premier League, as the reaction to the summer transfer window activity and build-up to the eagerly-anticipated new season continues:
9. Magpies favourites to re-sign Toney
Newcastle United have been named the firm favourites to land Brentford's £30m-rated goal-machine Ivan Toney ahead of West Ham and Leicester City. The 25-year-old striker made just two league appearances during a spell with the Magpies earlier in his career. (SkyBet) Photo: Gareth Copley
10. Foxes could battle Reds for Berardi
Leicester City look to be weighing up a move for Sassolou winger Domenico Berardi. However, they could face fierce competition from Liverpool for the player, who has spent his entire nine-year career to date with the Serie A side. (Gazetta Dello Sport) Photo: CATHERINE IVILL