It is set to be a hectic summer transfer window for Newcastle United as the Magpies make a whole host of major decisions over their squad.
Several current players are approaching the final months of their current deals at St James Park and there are questions over the long-term future of stalwarts such as Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie. Speculation over the future of big money signings Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak has continued over recent days with Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal linked with lucrative moves for the Magpies duo.
However, adding to Eddie Howe’s ranks remains a priority and there are a number of positions that have been identified as areas to improve during the summer months. Injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles mean that a new centre-back has jumped to the top of the agenda and improving at the top end of the pitch will also be prioritised.
United’s ongoing battle with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability regulations means the Magpies will have to be wary of overspending and they could look to the free transfer market to get some value from their summer spend. There are some high profile players that could be available as their contracts come to an end this summer - and we have identified 15 that could be of interest to the Magpies.
9. Alex Meret - Napoli
Newcastle are likely to add a goalkeeper to their ranks this summer as Loris Karius and Mark Gillespie are set to depart on free transfers. Would Napoli stopper Meret be a solid addition as he enters the final months of his current deal with the Serie A club? | Getty Images
10. Toni Kroos - Real Madrid
The Real Madrid legend is out of contract as it stands - another unrealistic target and not really the age range of player United are targeting but it would be some statement. | Getty Images
11. Mehdi Taremi - Porto
The Iran international was believed to be the subject of interest from Manchester United during the January transfer window and will be out of contract this summer. | AFP via Getty Images
12. Joel Matip - Liverpool
The Cameroon international is currently on the sidelines with a serious knee injury and is out of contract at the end of the season. As it stands, he will leave Anfield this summer and will be available on a free transfer. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images