"We are not here to be popular and to get other teams to like us, we are here to compete and to compete, we have to give everything to try and get a positive result."
They were the words from Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe after frustrating Premier League title hopefuls Arsenal at the Emirates last season, earning a point where very few had at that stage in the season. It was a mantra that the Magpies carried through the rest of the campaign, reaching a Carabao Cup final and qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.
The Toon are well ahead of schedule, but their early approach into the summer market and impending arrival of Sandro Tonali is real statement of intent. Howe knows his side cannot dawdle and be happy with a top-four finish and early transfer approaches highlight the quality of player they need to improve the current squad.
