Steve Bruce has only added one player to his squad this summer and even that was just making a Joe Willock loan into a permanent move.
However, Bruce has hit-back at claims that the squad are weaker this campaign:
“I don't know, is it weaker? It is the same,” he said.
“I don't think we are any weaker. It is fair to say we have gone with the same squad we finished last season with, which finished really strongly.
“We went all out to get Joe Willock. So that's where we are at the moment. I’d love to bring some more in, but we simply can't.
“We have to get on with it. And hope we are strong enough to better what we did last year.”
Money is tight at St James’s Park this summer and if any permanent deals are to be done, there will have to be sales in order to fund these moves.
Furthermore, United already have a full 25-man squad, including an unprecedented four-goalkeepers, meaning someone will have to be left out if a new player arrives.
So despite huge belief that Newcastle need to improve their squad if they are to avoid being sucked into another relegation battle, it seems as though the reality of the situation dictates they must sell before they buy.
With that in mind, we look at the eleven players that could leave St James’s Park before the transfer deadline at 11pm on Tuesday August 31.
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9. Allan Saint-Maximin
When you have high-quality players, they are unfortunately going to attract attention from other clubs. Everton, Aston Villa and Liverpool are all linked with the winger who has lit up the Premier League since joining Newcastle in 2019. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Morton
10. Javier Manquillo
Newcastle’s adoption of a 5-3-2 formation has meant there is no obvious place for Manquillo in the starting eleven. Despite being first-choice under Rafa Benitez, Manquillo now seemingly is second choice behind Jacob Murphy, maybe even third when you add Emil Krafth into the mix. There’s no obvious route out of Newcastle for the Spaniard but it’s not hard to imagine the full-back being dissatisfied with the lack of minutes he is getting on the field. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) Photo: Catherine Ivill
11. Miguel Almiron
Almiron’s agent talked-up the potential for a move away from St James’s Park in January, however, rumours of any departure were quickly quashed. Yet, with Newcastle staring down the prospect of yet another relegation battle, it would not be surprising to see rumours of discontent from Almiron’s agent stir again. (Photo by Owen Humphreys - Pool/Getty Images) Photo: Pool