Newcastle United transfers: When does the summer window close & where do the Magpies need to do to improve?

The summer transfer market is open for business and it is expected to be a hectic period for Newcastle United.

The Magpies gained momentum during an impressive second half of the Premier League season as the hard work of Eddie Howe and his coaching staff and a near-faultless January transfer window helped the club secure their top flight status.

All eyes now turn towards their summer recruitment as they look to further strengthen Howe’s squad in a bid to improve on last season’s 11th-placed finish and take the next step under the ownership of the Saudi-led consortium.

What is the current state of play for Newcastle United in the transfer market?

The Magpies concluded their first summer signing last week when Aston Villa defender Matt Targett became a permanent member of Eddie Howe’s squad after impressing during a loan spell during the second half of last season.

United’s newly-appointed sporting director Dan Ashworth is believed to be working on a number of deals at present with moves for Lille centre-back Sven Botman and Reims forward Hugo Ekitike at the top of the agenda.

A long list of potential targets was drawn up ahead before the end of last season and the Magpies have informed agents they are looking to strengthen the spine of their side ahead of the new campaign - but remain open to exploring opportunities elsewhere in their squad.

There will also be departures with some long-standing members of the United squad attracting attention from elsewhere.

Striker Dwight Gayle is the subject of loan interest from Middlesbrough, Premier League newcomers Bournemouth are keen on a reunion with former Cherries winger Matt Ritchie and Ciaran Clark has reported interest from a number of Championship clubs.

Key decisions will also be made on the likes of Elliot Anderson and Matty Longstaff after they returned from respective loan spells with Bristol Rovers and Mansfield Town.

Young Irish defender Alex Murphy has already been added to the academy ranks and a deal to sign Kilmarnock prospect Charlie McArthur is also believed to be progressing.

When did the transfer window open?

The summer transfer window officially opened for business on Friday, June 10 - although may clubs were already discussing deals by that point.

That date represents an early start to the window to enable clubs to have more time to conduct business as the Premier League season gets underway earlier this season.

That decision was taken due to a mid-season break caused by the World Cup Finals in Qatar.

When does the summer transfer window close?

Who doesn’t love the final day of the transfer window? It used to be a day that provided little interest for Newcastle supporters but that all changed in January as the PIF-led consortium continued working hard to strengthen Eddie Howe’s ranks.

The United hierachy are keen to avoid a final day scramble for signings during the summer and Howe is keen to have the majority of his squad settled long before the season gets underway.

But should the search for new signings go on until the final day of the window, Newcastle will have until 11pm on Thursday, September 1 to complete any deals.

Both opening and closing dates are in line with other major leagues around Europe.