October's £300m takeover ushered in a new dawn on Tyneside but the same panic-inducing transfer problems of old seemingly still remain at Newcastle United. Top targets identified, pursued and ultimately missed out on as the Magpies grapple with a brief transfer impasse at present.
Bayer Leverkusen's Moussa Diaby and Real Sociedad's Alexander Isak look slightly out of Newcastle's price range at present, while Hugo Ekitike opted to snub a move to the north east of England for the biggest club in his native country. Odd, that.
Newcastle's transfer team are working behind the scenes to ensure Eddie Howe isn't left wanting in any position heading into the new season. But this is by no means a new phenomenon in these parts, as former managers will affirm.
