As Sandro Tonali was being given a guided tour of St James' Park, attention was already shifting to where Eddie Howe's Newcastle United would strengthen next. The transfer rumour mill continues to spin and the Magpies remain tied to a number of targets.
Harvey Barnes is the latest name to be linked with a move to Tyneside as his Leicester City exit edges closer. The winger, 25, is expected to leave the King Power Stadium this summer following the club's relegation and Newcastle are among a number of clubs linked of late.
Eddie Howe wants competition out wide and Barnes' arrival would certainly cause the current crop of Newcastle wide men to look over their shoulders. The left-sided attacker netted 13 goals in a poor Foxes side last season and would add much-needed firepower to this Newcastle outfit.
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But are the Magpies targeting new additions on the wrong wing? It could be argued so given Howe is already blessed with an abundance of talent down the left-hand side.
Allan Saint-Maximin, providing he stays put, remains a fan-favourite among the St James' Park faithful and for all his minor flaws, still could have a part to play in this new-look Newcastle side. The Frenchman has teased his exit with a cryptic social media post this summer but it would take a significant offer to persuade Howe to let him leave - and concrete interest is thin on the ground.
Saint-Maximin struggled with injuries, and subsequently consistency, last season and was overtaken by Joelinton in the battle for a starting role in Howe's side. The versatile Brazilian has proven his worth in the final third of late after finding his shooting boots in Newcastle's ascent to the Champions League.
Joelinton may be forced out wide following the arrival of AC Milan midfielder Tonali, who will bring added competition in the middle of the park. Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff will have to up their game, with another midfield addition before the end of the summer not ruled out.
Then there is Anthony Gordon. Newcastle's £40m January addition who struggled to find his feet at the business end of last season. His final day strike vs Chelsea was a positive, however, and there is high hopes for the 22-year-old after a stellar run of form at the under-21 European Championships with England in recent weeks.
Gordon has been used as a central striker for his country but is a player who is primarily used down the left under Howe. The January addition will be another relishing the chance to link up with his club team-mates later this summer.
Barnes has consistently been used down Leicester's left channel under Brendan Rodgers and his replacement Dean Smith. The right-footed winger isn't often deployed in any other role but Newcastle may be better off targeting an attacker who can be used on the opposite flank instead.
Miguel Almiron's purple patch in front of goal took fans by surprise and saved his career on Tyneside by earning him a new deal. However, the goals dried up at the beginning of 2023 as Jacob Murphy took his place in Howe's plans.
Both attackers excelled at different points in the campaign as Newcastle upset the odds last term but consistent returns in front of goal are needed from the pair to ensure they keep their places from the outset.
With the likes of Federico Chiesa and Moussa Diaby linked in recent months, the pressure is on Howe's current options to hit the ground running when pre-season rolls around next week. Barnes can add goals but is he a luxury signing rather than a necessity as Newcastle navigate their most important transfer window in decades?
Chronicle Live understands Leicester City are playing hardball for a fee for Barnes with a price tag of £50million now being mooted. With Newcastle not short of left-sided wingers, it wouldn't be the end of the world if the Magpies focused their efforts elsewhere.
