The three ‘spine-improving’ positions Newcastle United are targeting this summer revealed

Newcastle United are prioritising a centre-back, a midfielder and a striker this summer, according to reports. The Magpies have not focused on improving their starting line-up in recent transfer windows. Sandro Tonali arrived last July - a clear signing for the first team - but his suspension shortly after for breaching betting regulations ruled him out for 10 months.

Other arrivals were Harvey Barnes, a player to battle Anthony Gordon for a starting berth, as well as Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, two arrivals with one eye on the future. Fast forward to the January window and Newcastle were unable to bolster their ranks due to FFP/PSR restrictions.

That frustrated Toon supporters who expected their side to make additions given the crippling injury situation this season. Ahead of the summer, Football Insider are now reporting that three key positions have been identified for improvement.

Newcastle last signed a big-money centre-back when Sven Botman joined from Lille in 2022. Fabian Schar recently penned an extension but, at 32, is not a long-term option to partner the Dutchman.

Captain Jamaal Lascelles could also move on as his contract expires at the end of the season. The report also names midfield - arguably their Achilles heel in 2023-24 - as an area Newcastle want to upgrade.

As well as Tonali, the likes of Joelinton, Joe Willock and Elliot Anderson have spent most of the campaign on the sidelines. Youngster Lewis Miley has broken through the system as a result of the dire injury situation on Tyneside.

Finally, recurring injury concerns to Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak has reportedly made Newcastle enter the market for a striker. Both players are prolific when fit - but keeping them off the treatment table has been the problem for the Magpies.