Financial Fair Play is the caveat which will always temper expectations around Newcastle United when it comes to transfer windows. But the stunning summer capture of Alexander Isak for a club-record fee proves the Magpies mean business when it comes to recruitment.
Real Sociedad's price tag was seemingly deemed excessive by a host of Europe's elite, but Newcastle were undeterred when Eddie Howe identified the Sweden international as his top attacking target this summer. The deal for the 23-year-old followed on from moves for Sven Botman and Bruno Guimaraes, with United following a clear blueprint of snapping up emerging superstars.
Newcastle have so far proven remarkably successful with their post-takeover recruitment, supplementing Premier League experience with stars from the continent who can hopefully provide the foundations for long-term success. If the latest reports are to be believed, it now appears the Magpies are plotting another raid for one of Europe's brightest prospects.
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Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has enjoyed a sensational start to life at Napoli, earning the nickname of 'Kvaradona' in a matter of months. The Georgian international has registered eight goals and 10 assists in just 17 appearances for the runaway leaders of Serie A.
Luciano Spalletti's side have taken this form into the Champions League too, thrashing Liverpool at home en route to finishing top of Group A. Jurgen Klopp singled out Kvaratskhelia for praise following the return fixture at Anfield, stressing the task Trent Alexander-Arnold faced in trying to keep the in-form forward quiet.
Klopp said: “You have to try to be there in the moment when the ball arrives. If you cannot to do that, you need to be protected because he has speed.
"He is cheeky, he can go inside, he goes outside, that always makes him difficult. A good player."
Speculation in recent weeks suggests Howe is keen on bolstering his attacking options, with Kvaratskhelia joining the likes of Moussa Diaby, Mykhaylo Mudryk, Marcus Thuram, and Leandro Trossard in being linked. Rumours persist that the Magpies could also revisit their interest in James Maddison, having seen two bids turned down in the summer.
The Times claim Newcastle sent scouts to watch Kvaratskhelia ahead of the World Cup, with the £50m-rated attacker reportedly deemed a 'top target'. Given Napoli's start to the season and the rising price tag, a January move is unlikely to be on the cards.
Newcastle are also expected to face fierce competition should they firm up their interest in Kvaratskhelia. Chelsea, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are among the clubs credited with an interest.
Regardless of whether United decide to pursue a move in January or the summer, it is clear the new owners are committed to their blueprint. The stunning start to the season which currently has Howe's side sat third in the Premier League has seemingly not tempted the owners to deviate from this model and chase more immediate success.
The Magpies are not expected to repeat their level of spending from the start of the year. The battle for survival prompted the owners to act in the last January window, but sporting director Dan Ashworth has warned that level of investment is not sustainable.
Yet these limitations have not dented Newcastle's determination to continue to make waves in the transfer market. It is now becoming commonplace to see the Magpies tipped to rival the so-called 'Big Six' or Champions Leagues contenders for the best talents in Europe.
Nothing might come from the Kvaratskhelia links, and there is no indication the Georgia international would even be open to the move. However, it is the latest evidence of Newcastle's growing intent and their dedication to a transfer blueprint which has already paid dividends.
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