Newcastle United are expected to splash the cash again in the coming months as the new Saudi-backed regime tackle their first summer transfer window. Released from the pressures of relegation, the Magpies hierarchy can meticulously plan their approach without rivals using the club’s perilous league to drive a hard bargain - as was the case in January.
A new sporting director - widely tipped to be former Brighton supremo Dan Ashworth - will likely be in place spearheading the overhaul at St James’ Park. Supporters are prepared for Newcastle to be linked with every player in Europe but concerns are a far cry from those held during the scarce days under Mike Ashley.
Bookies have already released odds for who they think the Magpies have a chance of signing this summer. ChronicleLive profiles who SkyBet believe could be wearing the black-and-white stripes next season…
READ MORE: Newcastle's summer transfer policy discussed, Zapata talk and contract latest
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Kalvin Phillips and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are both priced at 8/1, making Newcastle a solid horse in the race to sign the England stars. Only Arsenal (2/1) are shorter odds to sign the latter, who has struggled with injuries this campaign.
Calvert-Lewin has only made 10 top-flight appearances as the Toffees continue to flirt with relegation. Getting the 25-year-old back fit and scoring is key for Frank Lampard’s side but, if the unthinkable were to happen, a move back to the Premier League would appear inevitable.
Phillips is another player who has suffered from injuries, with the Leeds enforcer sidelined since November. Recent reports named Aston Villa (6/1) as the favourites for his signature and this is reflected in the market, but Arsenal and Liverpool both come in at 7/1. Newcastle do, however, have the financial capacity to blow all three sides out of the water.
A sensational return for Ivan Toney is priced at 10/1 after another video was released of the Brentford striker appearing to mock the club. The Magpies allowed Toney to leave in 2018 for around £650,000.
Outside chance
The bookies make Newcastle fourth favourites behind Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Liverpool to sign Leeds talisman Raphinha at 12/1. Former Barca superstar Deco is the Brazilian’s agent and he has flirted with the possibility of his client leaving several times this season. Toon supporters would be drooling at the prospect of Raphinha and Allan Saint-Maximin causing havoc on opposite flanks.
Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford is also at 12/1, with his future rumoured to be uncertain at Old Trafford. The England international has only bagged four goals in 21/22 and has fallen down the pecking order under Ralf Rangnick. Newcastle could provide the 24-year-old with a fresh start away from the circus at Man Utd.
You can get odds of 16/1 on Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku wearing a black-and-white shirt next season. The Blues forward has had a mixed return to life at Stamford Bridge and a fee anywhere near to the £90million paid would likely see him shipped out - providing sanctions placed on the club are lifted.
Longshots
These names are the pie in the sky non-starters and stories linking Newcastle with these players will only frustrate supporters. Mo Salah is 18/1 but he could easily be 18,000/1, whereas Harry Kane (20/1) and Kylian Mbappe (33/1) also make SkyBet’s list.
All three players could be on the move at the end of the season but there is little chance of seeing them moving to Tyneside anytime soon.
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