Newcastle United know their next two transfer decisions after Sandro Tonali news

Newcastle United will complete their second summer signing this week when Sandro Tanoli joins Eddie Howe’s squad - but what could lie next as the transfer window continues?

As revealed by NewcastleWorld the AC Milan star will arrive on Tyneside over the coming days to put the finishing touches to his eagerly anticipated move to St James Park and officially become one of the costliest signings in the club’s history. Adding such a high-quality and functional option to his midfield ranks will be a welcome boost for Eddie Howe as he assesses how he can bring out the best in Tonali and United’s star man Bruno Guimaraes.

But it is inevitable the duo will be joined by further new additions as the summer continues - despite the disappointment of missing out on the signing of RB Leipzig and Hungary star Dominik Szoboszlai, who is set to join Premier League rivals Liverpool after undergoing a medical on Merseyside.

So what could and should lie ahead for the Magpies throughout the remaining two months of the transfer window?

Is it areas of priority or prioritising the right player?

Although some supporters may be sick of hearing about it, United do have to continue to deal with Financial Fair Play restrictions as they navigate their way through the summer transfer window. The £40million deal that brought Anthony Gordon to Tyneside in January took the Magpies to their limits - although qualifying for the Champions League and the riches that can bring and the recently announced sponsor deals will give them some breathing space.

Sandro Tonali will be one of the most expensive signings in the club’s history but there is still room to bring in more players over the coming weeks and months. There are areas of priority, with a centre-back, left-back and centre midfielder believed to be high on the agenda for the Magpies hierarchy.

But a key question could come their way if they are offered a surprising opportunity to add a player that could improve their squad but falls outside of their prioritised areas. For example, should a top class right-sided winger become available and a deal is possible, do they press on with what they have at left-back and in the middle of midfield?

That could well have been the case had a deal for Szoboszlai progressed. As NewcastleWorld revealed last week, talks were held over a move before Liverpool activated a release clause in the RB Leipzig star’s contract. Had the Hungarian joined Newcastle, he would have been an upgrade on United’s options on the right-hand side but he would also have limited their budget for further additions.

Navigating the transfer market is always a challenge, with the progress of deals changing on a daily or even hourly basis. So although United will continue to be proactive, they may also need to be reactive as opportunities come their way. The one message that has always come out is the Magpies hierarchy are prepared for every eventuality and they are working hard to progress with further additions to Eddie Howe’s ranks.

How will their full-back options look by the end of the window?

Eddie Howe’s options at right-back and left-back have been discussed thoroughly in recent weeks. Kieran Trippier is unquestionably the Magpies first-choice on the right-hand side, with backup currently provided by Javier Manquillo, Emil Krafth and January signing Harrison Ashby.

However, the reported talks between United and Southampton over a deal for Tino Livramento have come as something of a surprise to many. There has been talk Manquillo will depart this summer and at least two Spanish clubs are said to be keen on the former Liverpool and Atletico Madrid man. Krafth is in the final stages of his return from a long-term injury after showing promising signs of progress under Howe.

The plan for Ashby, who United have high hopes for, is a little unclear and could depend on the success of their pursuit of Livramento. Should a deal be completed, it seems highly likely Ashby will depart on loan before the window closes and several Championship clubs are believed to have shown an interest in the former West Ham United youngster. If Livramento remain on the South coast or head elsewhere, Ashby will likely stay with Newcastle and provide backup for Trippier and Krafth, as well as playing for the club’s Under-21s.

On the other side of Howe’s defence, Dan Burn spent the vast majority of last season as Howe’s preferred option. There are a number of candidates within Howe’s ranks to provide competition in Matt Targett, Matt Ritchie and Jamal Lewis. The outcome of a contract offer to Magpies stalwart Paul Dummett is also yet to be officially confirmed.

Despite possessing a plethora of options in that area, an upgrade at left-back is on Howe’s wishlist and there remains a genuine interest in Arsenal and Scotland star Kieran Tierney. Speculation over the deal has gone quiet and it seems likely the former Celtic star will remain at the Emirates Stadium and United are assessing a number of other options.