Jamaal Lascelles has vowed to fight for his first-team future at Newcastle - because he is stronger and fitter than ever.
The centre-back lost his place in Toon boss Eddie Howe’s first XI at the end of last season as Dan Burn and Fabian Schar excelled in a run of 12 wins in 18 games.
Dutch U21 international Sven Botman has been added to the squad for £35m this summer, meaning competition is more intense than ever in defence at St James' Park - although Howe has made his feelings clear after he decided to give Lascelles the club captain's armband for the 2022-23 season.