Newcastle United fans watched on as Diego Carlos sealed a £34million move to Aston Villa but the word from the upper echelons at St James' Park very much: "Watch this space".
United have gone back in for Dutchman Sven Botman after AC Milan's takeover torment has added a layer of uncertainty over a proposed deal that was on the table with Lille. Botman's agent is now dealing with additional interest in the centre-back but the reality is Newcastle never really walked away from the deal for the ex-Ajax youngster.
Although, it has emerged that there was no fresh contact on Carlos this week, leaving those close to the Brazilian "surprised" that United never came back. Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard flew to Seville to get his signature but Newcastle have been looking at other targets, including Botman.
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The Magpies spent a large chunk of the January window in pursuit of Carlos and were prepared to pay a fee close to what Villa have paid. In the end, United moved on from Carlos and went for Brighton's Dan Burn with the 6ft 7in centre-back proving to be incredible value at £13million.
That doesn't mean Newcastle won't be pushing for another centre-back in the summer window with Burn and newly signed up Fabian Schar certain to take two of the centre-back slots on Eddie Howe's roster. There are certainly question marks over Ciaran Clark and Federico Fernandez after they barely featured in 2022 while Jamaal Lascelles has already vowed to fight for his place.
Howe is keen to add at least one more centre-back with Botman and Burnley's James Tarkowski on his list along with others.
Miguel Almiron future becomes talking point after reports in South America
The Paraguay playmaker has enjoyed life under Eddie Howe but goes into the close season looking for assurances over game-time. Miggy has two years left on his contract and has made 123 appearances, scoring 14 goals since arriving from Atlanta United in 2019.
He had to wait for his chance under Howe last term but only started 19 times from 36 Premier League squads - something that has been flagged up as a cause for concern by his agent. After United were linked with winger Moussa Diaby it does pose the question of who would stay if another wide man came in.
If Allan Saint-Maximin is staying, will Almiron be happy to battle for his place alongside Ryan Fraser and Jacob Murphy?
Magpies sign up two more youngsters
Newcastle United have secured the services of duo Dylan Stephenson and Niall Brookwell after offers were put to them last week.
Stephenson scored 13 goals and made three assists in just 27 matches last season but may now be loaned out for the 2022/23 campaign. Brookwell, a former Liverpool youth player, has captained the reserves at times in the last few months and can play either centre-back or centre-midfield.
Offers were also made to Will Brown, Lewis Cass, Joe Oliver and Matty Bondswell. Steve Harper has also identified Harry Barclay, Kyle Crossley, James Huntley, Jamie Miley, Michael Ndiweni and Joshua Stewart as the potential stars of the future from the club's Under-18 pool.
