A look at the latest Newcastle United headlines on Tuesday, 2 August.
'Something they've never had' - Newcastle owners make 'smart move' as Nick De Marco reacts
John Devine won't have far to go. Having worked in the shadow of St James' Park for years, Newcastle United's new general counsel will soon have an office in the actual stadium itself.
Devine had been settled as a partner at commercial law firm Muckle, where he has been based for more than 11 years on Gallowgate, but this new role is made for the lifelong Newcastle supporter - who is one of the most well-respected figures in his field.
Indeed, Nick De Marco, told ChronicleLive that Devine has a 'very good reputation and excellent experience' as a sports lawyer. De Marco, who previously represented Newcastle, even went as far as to say Devine's appointment 'looks like another very smart move by the club'.
Martin Dubravka makes Newcastle United admission and sets out ambition in emotive statement
Martin Dubravka has opened up on his ambitions for the new season with Newcastle United - insisting he feels right at home on Tyneside.
Now settled with his partner and young son, Dubravka has been a major part of the club for almost five years between the sticks for Newcastle. Dubravka has made 130 appearances serving up a creditable 37 clean sheets for the Magpies despite being embroiled in relegation battles for much of that time.
During that time Dubravka has fought for his place with a range of keepers and now has fresh competition in England goalkeeper Nick Pope. But after making a good display against Athletic Bilbao, with his second half saves edging Newcastle to a win against the La Liga side, Dubravka is up for the challenge.
Leicester react to Newcastle's latest James Maddison transfer bid with familiar Chilwell message
Leicester City have reiterated that James Maddison is not for sale after Newcastle United's latest offer for the attacking midfielder.
Newcastle had a £40m bid rejected for Maddison over the weekend but, rather than being deterred, tellingly, the Magpies have since returned with an improved offer. However, ChronicleLive understands Leicester are adamant Maddison is not leaving after the 'manager made our position clear - he's not for sale'.
Yet Newcastle have clearly sensed an opportunity at a time when Leicester are the only Premier League side who have failed to sign a single player. The Foxes could do with a windfall after struggling to offload a number of high-earning fringe players to make room in their squad for new additions.
Newcastle United's 'guiding hand' could save the club millions
Eddie Howe has made a lot about wanting leaders at Newcastle United. A group of players who collectively can steady the ship but equally can stand alone if called upon.
The January window saw United sign five players - all who have been deemed leaders in one way or another. Kieran Trippier is your obvious leader - loud and vocal, while someone like Bruno Guimaraes came in to lead by example, some might say in a quiet yet effective way.
United have continued their summer window in similar vain - signing players with a knack for leading from the front. Matt Targett, Sven Botman and Nick Pope all have elements of leadership.
If you were asked to name the leaders in this Newcastle squad, you could probably list 10 if not more, and that is a remarkable feat considering the latter years of Mike Ashley’s ownership where it was felt by some, that the dressing lacked more than two or three.
Leicester's goalkeeper stance emerges amid Martin Dubravka interest and James Maddison bid
Newcastle United may not be able to use Martin Dubravka as a makeweight in their pursuit of Leicester City star James Maddison this month. The Foxes are said to hold an interest in the Slovakian as first choice stopper Kasper Schmeichel bids farewell to the King Power Stadium.
Schmeichel's 11-year stay at Leicester is nearing an end after French outfit Nice reached an agreement to sign the 35-year-old this week. Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers' side are fighting hard to ensure James Maddison doesn't leave amid interest from the Magpies.
Speculation suggests Newcastle could persuade the Foxes to soften their stance on the attacking midfield by offering Dubravka as part of any deal. However, Rodgers has already admitted he will give current Leicester goalkeepers, Danny Ward and Daniel Iversen, the chance to step up.
'The Big Newcastle United Forum' - What level of ambition do you believe the club show?
There was a famous banner that summed it all up during Newcastle United's fall from grace under Mike Ashley. After another FA Cup exit, it was unfurled away to Leicester City in 2015 and it read: "We don't demand a team that wins, we demand a club that tries."
Nobody can argue that the Magpies - under Saudi backing - are still the unambitious club that tried to save money, but were also happy to hoover up the rewards that the Premier League and world broadcast units offer these days. So the answer to the question our Big Newcastle United Forum question: 'What level of ambition do you believe the club shows in 2022?' I will say 90 out of 100.
Quite simply, Newcastle have made the decision to go from annual relegation strugglers to a team capable of a top 10 position in the English top-flight. True, Newcastle are not showing the type of ambition that would see them turn into Champions League contenders or title winners, but we are still very early into the journey under the new ownership model of Amanda Staveley, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and the Reuben family.
READ NEXT
Lucas Paqueta and James Maddison want the same thing amid Newcastle United transfer interest
Newcastle United face Timo Werner competition and need Chelsea cooperation in transfer pursuit
Eddie Howe faces selection headache in three positions as Newcastle United boss admits 'dilemma'
Newcastle United chiefs working overtime on transfers as Leicester demand £60m for James Maddison
Elliot Anderson question, Newcastle United midfield hint and Duvan Zapata performance - 5 things
