Three transfers Newcastle United will complete this summer - and four they won't

This time of year is silly season. Every single rumour and name seems to germinate on social media, no matter the source, grow roots and sprout into the Newcastle United consciousness.

And all of a sudden, a rumour from some random Turkish journalist or fan account in Portugal, is stone cold fact. The player is now in every anorak fans’ team builder, posted endlessly to anyone who’d listen. To some, he’s already signed and formed a part of the NUFC team for the next 10 years. Cue the anger and rage when said player then doesn’t sign and the reality doesn’t fit the narrative largely created by said angry fan.

Well, as we all know, it’s not Football Manager. And in reality, things don’t always quite go to plan at this time of year. See the transfer window as more of a meandering river, which can shift and alter its course at any given moment, rather than an autobahn with pre-planned pit stops on the way.

One thing is certain, however, according to our information, Newcastle United will sign players this summer - and it’ll be a few of them. Hardly ground-breaking stuff, I know, but you’d think they weren’t going to, judging by the mood of some on social media.

So, in light of the panic - and the endless rumours - we thought we’d share our own information, carefully sourced in recent days and weeks. And we hope this gives a flavour of what to expect this summer and what not to. Cutting through the endless noise and chatter, from even some of the biggest names.

Here’s three players we think COULD sign for Newcastle United this summer - and four who we understand WON’T.