Newcastle United have a little over three weeks until their Premier League campaign gets under way. After making three key signings early on, it's been more of a waiting game for Eddie Howe and Co as they look for their next transfer breakthrough.
They have interest in the likes of Moussa Diaby, Alexander Isak and Armando Broja as the Magpies look to strengthen their goalscoring options. There is plenty of time left in the transfer window, but United are sticking to their guns of not paying over the odds for any player.
Howe will have some decisions to make over his starting XI in the coming weeks, with competition all over the pitch, particularly in goal and in central defence.
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Our chief Newcastle United writer Lee Ryder is in Austria to bring you all the latest from the camp, and in his weekly Q&A answered your questions on everything black-and-white. Here's the full transcript of the discussion.
ToonLad73: Any news on who'll be No 1?
LEE RYDER: Who will be No 1 next season at Newcastle? One of the burning questions on Tyneside in the pubs and clubs this summer. I personally don't believe that Nick Pope would have signed without assurances he is going to play. So I think deep down, Eddie Howe will want to start with Pope. Martin Dubravka's agent has already made it clear he will move if he's not No 1 while the window is open. That would leave Karl Darlow as back-up and Mark Gillespie as No 3.
Cartoon: Is there any interest in players at an advanced stage?
LR: I would say that all Newcastle's negotiations are pretty much active but nothing at that concluding stage yet. There's still some way to go in the transfer window so we can still count Moussa Diaby, Alexander Isak and Armando Broja as those still in with a shout of joining Newcastle. Like any club with ambition there will be targets that are yet to make the Press but certainly the loan market is worth keeping an eye on. One or two big moves nearer the top four could have a knock on effect for Newcastle.
Ohpeth: What's the situation with Angelo from Brazil and is it more than just interest? Any other players mentioned from overseas to strengthen the youth with a view of pushing into the first team?
LR: The fact that head of recruitment Steve Nickson flew out to Brazil to watch him in action for Santos is a big indication that Newcastle United's interest is serious. Netting Angelo would be a big statement from ambitious United and getting him at 17 before some of the big boys is a real sign of progress. Overall sporting director Dan Ashworth knows that the club must improve the standard of the Academy long-term. And getting players like Angelo would be a big step along the way.
Jaytoon: How relevant are the rumours on a potential Asensio bid ?
LR: This wasn't knocked down by Newcastle and it would be a major coup to get Asensio. His wages seem on par with what Newcastle can offer but there still seems to be a lot of work to do.
Markde: Any thoughts on the starting defensive line-ups in Austria? Do you think Howe can use both Botman and Burn together at centre-back, or whether he will prefer one to partner Schar?
LR: I think Howe will take a look at all his options and take a good look at Lascelles and Schar on the right-hand side and Botman and Burn on the other. So far he's also looked at Kell Watts but I expect he will go back out on loan. My honest opinion is that Fabian Schar and Sven Botman will be the opening duo and there will be fierce competition for places.
OriginalBluestar: Is Jamaal Lascelles leaving?
LR: I'm yet to see any evidence of that happening so far this pre-season. It's hard to think he'd be happy with being a back-up player after being the captain for so long. He's fought for his place before and we're yet to get to interview the players so it will be interesting to see what his stance is. Given his attitude in the past (a good attitude) I think he be prepared to fight for his place.
BigMan2022: Is the Isak link real? And are we still in talks to sign Diaby?
LR: The Isak talks were real and the fact that Real Sociedad were prepared to comment on it says a lot. But the price wasn't agreed. As for talks with Diaby, a similar situation talks ongoing but the reality is Newcastle will want to see that valuation of £60million drop.
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