Newcastle United's strongest XI as the first summer transfer window closes - according to the stats experts

Newcastle United have not added to their squad during the first part of a unique summer transfer window - but progress is being made as the Magpies look for their first new addition.

Eddie Howe’s side have taken serious momentum into the summer after ending their 70-year wait for major domestic silverware with a Carabao Cup final win against Liverpool and securing a place in next season’s Champions League by claiming a fifth place finish in the Premier League table.

There is a belief Newcastle will aim to add a goalkeeper, centre-back, winger and a striker to their ranks over the coming months and recent reports have suggested the Magpies are in talks with Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford over a possible £30m move to Tyneside as Howe looks to provide stern competition for number one stopper Nick Pope.

Long-term transfer target Marc Guehi remains on the radar as United look to strengthen at the heart of their back four and weekend speculation suggested the Magpies have also lodged enquiries for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga and Brighton and Hove Albion forward Joao Pedro. Both players have been linked with a move to St James Park in recent seasons - but will also command fees said to be in excess of £50m.

There have been a number of Howe’s squad that have been linked with moves away from Newcastle as the likes of Sean Longstaff, Matt Targett, Joe Willock and Callum Wilson are all said to be the subject of interest from clubs across the Premier League.

But who should remain part of Howe’s side when another exciting campaign gets underway in August? We take a look at how Newcastle’s strongest starting XI would look if it was based on average ratings provided by the stats experts at WhoScored.

Newcastle United’s strongest starting XI according to the stats experts

GK: Nick Pope (WhoScored average rating: 6.8) RB: Tino Livramento (WhoScored average rating: 6.6) CB: Fabian Schar (WhoScored average rating: 6.8) CB: Dan Burn (WhoScored average rating: 6.8) LB: Lewis Hall (WhoScored average rating: 7.0) CM: Bruno Guimaraes (WhoScored average rating: 7.1) CM: Sandro Tonali (WhoScored average rating: 7.0) CM: Joelinton (WhoScored average rating: 6.9) RW: Jacob Murphy (WhoScored average rating: 7.1) LW: Anthony Gordon (WhoScored average rating: 7.2) ST: Alexander Isak (WhoScored average rating: 7.3)

Newcastle United’s other WhoScored average ratings

Sven Botman - 6.77 Harvey Barnes - 6.72 Kieran Trippier - 6.70 Lloyd Kelly - 6.26 Joe Willock - 6.25 Sean Longstaff - 6.25 Lewis Miley - 6.24 Emil Krafth - 6.19 Matt Targett - 6.18 Will Osula - 6.15 Miguel Almiron - 6.12 Callum Wilson - 5.96

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