Newcastle United have had a frustrating start to the transfer window as clubs appear to slap a “Magpie tax” on players when the newly-crowned richest club in the world come calling. Moves for Sven Botman and Hugo Ekitike have stuttered, with the former understood to be holding out for a move to European giants AC Milan.
Matt Targett - who excelled on loan at the backend of 2021-22 - is the only notable addition so far after making the switch permanent for £12million. However, it still feels as though Toon chiefs are searching for a breakthrough as the former Aston Villa left-back was an ever-present in the side last season.
As it stands, Newcastle have a squad that comfortably survives relegation and, providing everybody stays fit, should make an assault on securing a top-10 spot. Despite the occasional gaffe, Martin Dubravka has been exceptional since arriving for a pittance in 2018 and remains the undisputed number one between the sticks.
