The Magpies have been linked with a host of players already this summer, and expected to strengthen in some key areas as they look for an improved season following a fairly underwhelming showing in the previous campaign.
Meanwhile, ex-Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand has revealed he turned down a move to the Magpies back in 2008, and said: “Newcastle wanted me first, but I turned them down. At the time Newcastle were going through a transitional period upstairs in the boardroom, and they were unstable.
“West Ham were unstable at the time too with the Icelandic people (the owners). Then Sunderland came in and bid £8million. West Ham accepted it, and I remember the chief executive and sporting director, Gianlucia Nani, came to me and said 'Anton, we've accepted a bid for you, £8million to Sunderland’.
“I said 'I'm not going’. He went 'what? Anton, Roy Keane’s the manager – he'll be good for you. You should go’. I said 'if Roy Keane will be good for me, then bring him here?'. That conversation ended, and for a week he kept coming to me saying 'Anton, you've got to go, please’.
“The last straw for me was 'Anton please the club is in financial struggles, it could go under if you don't go’. It pulled on my heartstrings a bit."
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 last season and the build-up to summer transfer window continues:
1. Hammers ready raid for Skhiri
West Ham have been linked with a move for FC Koln's £20m-rated midfielder enforcer Ellyes Skhiri. Lyon, Sevilla and Fiorentina have also been credited with an interest in the 26-year-old Tunisia international. (Express) Photo: AXEL HEIMKEN
2. Spurs favourites to sign Sabitzer
Spurs have been named favourites to sign RB Leipzig midfielder Marcel Sabitzer ahead of Man Utd, as interest in the Austria international continues to grow. He's been valued at around the £30m mark, as he heads into the final year of his contract. (SkyBet) Photo: Pool
3. Mourinho wants Luiz
Roma could be set to swoop for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, as Jose Mourinho looks to shape his new side. The Brazilian has been identified as a relatively low-cost alternative to Arsenal's Granit Xhaka. (Birmingham Mail) Photo: Alex Livesey
4. Gunners ready big money move for White
Arsenal are rumoured to have held "positive" talks with Brighton over a move for their key defender Ben White. The Gunners have been tipped to bite the bullet and meet the Seagulls' hefty asking price, which could reach £50m. (Daily Mail) Photo: Catherine Ivill