Newcastle United now know they will be facing Aston Villa in their Premier League opener on August 12 - and the TV cameras will be there too. The Magpies proved to be box office in recent months and next term promises to bring more of the same in terms of global attention.
Such a meteoric rise in such a short space of time has allowed Eddie Howe extra leeway in the transfer market this summer. While there is no Manchester City-esque budget at his disposal, the Toon boss, along with Dan Ashworth, can sell the dream to elite players from across Europe as to why they should take the plunge and a move to Tyneside.
With that being said, Howe's starting XI at St James' Park in August may have a few new additions added. The Newcastle chief is targeting 'elite' talent that will improve the first-team dressing room.
