Eddie Howe drops exciting Newcastle United summer transfer hint - one deal already lined up after 'verbal pact'

The Magpies were on the brink of breaching PSR last June before reluctantly sanctioning the sales of Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh to Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion. Despite complying with the rules, there has been little wiggle room to fund new signings.

Howe’s squad has gone three consecutive transfer windows without welcoming a major signing and the group was further weakened in January when Miguel Almiron re-joined Atlanta United for a reported £12million, while Juventus will pay £20m to sign Lloyd Kelly permanently following his half-season loan spell.

Because of PSR, United have been forced to make business decisions rather than football decisions.

But it appears light is at the end of the tunnel. Additionally, the spending in the 2022 summer transfer window, where Newcastle forked out around £130m on recruiting the likes of Nick Pope, Sven Botman and Alexander Isak, will drop off the three-year PSR cycle.

Newcastle are keen to keep their financial position private in fear of being quoted inflated fees for potential targets. But Howe, for the first time, has hinted at transfer activity this summer.

Speaking ahead of Monday’s Premier League trip to Leicester City, Howe said: "I think we're in a better position regarding PSR and that's the key thing. We knew from the outset that last summer was going to be very difficult - and it turned out to be that way. Hopefully this summer has a totally different view."

What type of signings will Newcastle United make?

One of the last major signings Newcastle made was Sandro Tonali when he arrived from AC Milan for £55m. The Italian arrived just as the club were preparing for their first campaign in the Champions League for 20 years.

Achieving the same feat this season will bolster Howe’s summer transfer budget but Howe refused to put a label on the type of signings the club will make.

"It was a tough transfer,” Howe said. “It wasn't an easy deal to get over the line in respect that we had to get everyone to agree. That includes Milan. Sandro, his representatives. They had to see that was the best move for his career at that moment. That's not an easy thing to do for such a high-profile player at such a big club.

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“Of course, the Champions League football helped our cause massively. It was a tough deal, but we were delighted to get it over the line.

“I don't know if you can look at any deal as an overview - you have to look at it in isolation. You have to look at it and go, 'We have this positional need. Who is the best player to fill it?' I don't think you can go in and go, It's not going to be a high-profile player or it's going to be a younger player'. You have to look at what you need in that position."

What positions will Newcastle United look to strengthen?

A central defender has long been on the agenda after the Magpies failed to sign Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi last summer. A right winger is also a priority after Almiron’s departure left Jacob Murphy as the only recognised option.

The goalkeeping situation is also set to be addressed. Newcastle have Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka but are big admirers of Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford and are readying a move.

Trafford agreed personal terms over a move to St James’ Park last summer but the two clubs couldn’t agree a fee, with the Clarets holding out for £20m. According to Fabrizio Romano, the “verbal pact” between the player and United is still valid, although his price tag is set to increase with Trafford enjoy a stellar campaign in the Championship.

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