The Newcastle United head coach handed a full competitive debut to Nick Pope and Matt Targett as permanent Newcastle United players on Saturday.
Supporters had to remain patient to see Sven Botman in-action for the Magpies against Nottingham Forest but, in the end, all three of their summer signings took to the field on opening day.
It was a busy start to the transfer window at St James’s Park and although it has been over a month since a new face arrived on Tyneside - the Magpies are expected to be busy in the transfer market before the window closes on September 1.
With that in mind, here, we take a look at what Newcastle United’s starting line-up and substitutes could look like if all the latest transfer rumours are true:
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5. LB: Matt Targett
Targett has been Newcastle’s first-choice left-back since his arrival in January and his consistently good performances mean he’s pretty much a guaranteed starter. Photo: Jan Kruger
6. CM: Lucas Paqueta
Paqueta and Newcastle have been linked for months now and although a move for the Brazilian hasn’t got past ‘paper-talk’ stage - the fact he could be available for less than £40million this summer must intrigue the Magpies. Photo: Pedro Vilela
7. CM: Bruno Guimaraes
Guimaraes starred against Nottingham Forest and is the type of player that a Newcatle United starting side can be built around. Photo: Jan Kruger
8. CM: Joelinton
Newcastle’s style of play revolves around Joelinton being an all-action midfielder and his efforts in the middle of the park help the Magpies in both defence and attack. Photo: Jan Kruger