Transfer plans and squad evolution: A new striker is Newcastle United’s big priority this summer – The Athletic

Eddie Howe did not expect Newcastle United to be in this position by the end of March.

The head coach was always confident that he could keep Newcastle up, but for the team to be 14th and nine points clear of the relegation zone with nine games remaining was surely beyond even his own expectations.

And, while Howe himself rightly insists that Newcastle are not safe yet, he has been presented with an unexpected opportunity to begin tentatively planning for a future beyond survival.

The indications are that, as one source puts it, supporters should expect evolution rather than revolution at Newcastle this summer. About 10 players could depart but some of those are already outside of the 25-man Premier League squad or out on loan and between four and six signings could be brought in as quality over quantity is sought.

Steve Nickson, the head of recruitment, is drawing up shortlists for players in every position though signing a striker is the priority. Newcastle are looking to augment the spine of their team, with centre-back and goalkeeper also featuring prominently during discussions, as are attacking midfielders, with increasing the number of goals in the team viewed as crucial.

Yet insiders have also been keen to stress that Newcastle will not merely lavish cash and bring in world-class stars on astronomical wages. While one recruitment source insists Newcastle have raised the level of player they are after following a January window when avoiding relegation was the goal, links to players such as Neymar and Ousmane Dembele have been dismissed.

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Transfer plans and squad evolution: A new striker is Newcastle United's big priority this summer - The Athletic