The 40 players linked with Newcastle United transfers including Inter, Barcelona and Manchester United stars

Newcastle United guarenteed their Premier League safety with a remarkable run of form during the second half of the Premier League season.

But recent defeats against title contenders Liverpool and Manchester City have delivered something of a reality check as to how far the Magpies are behind the Premier League elite.

With that in mind, thoughts are quickly turning towards the summer transfer window as the Magpies look to build on the success of their January recruitment drive.

The addition of Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn and Matt Targett laid the platform for a march up the Premier League table and Howe will hope to add further quality to his squad over the close-season.

Some intriguing names from the Premier League and around Europe have already been suggested as possible targets for what could be an eventful summer on Tyneside.

Newcastle World takes a look at the players linked with a move to St James Park as media speculation increases with the opening of the window now just weeks away.