Newcastle United have shown time and time again they're not afraid to walk away from deals as long-term target James Maddison finally decides his next destination. The Leicester City man will be plying his trade at Tottenham Hotspur next season, barring any late hiccups, as Newcastle's 12-month interest in the playmaker comes to an end.
Maddison has been one of the Magpies' most sought-after targets since last summer, with Eddie Howe publicly admitting his vast respect for the 26-year-old. But consistent speculation around a desire to move to the capital ultimately played its part as the player chose London over the north east.
It wasn't all Maddison's decision, however, as a move still looked feasible until wage demands became an issue. The attacking midfielder is expected to pocket north of £170,000-a-week at Tottenham, which would have made him the highest earner at St James' Park.
Instead, attention will now turn elsewhere as Howe seeks to bolster and improve his side between now and September. While the Maddison chase has lingered on, Dan Ashworth and his team have been busy seeking out alternative new arrivals in a range of different positions.
Firstly, Sandro Tonali will arrive on Tyneside after Italy's Under-21 European Championship campaign comes to an end in the coming weeks. The AC Milan midfielder has penned a six-year deal at Newcastle which will see him become the club's top earner.
Another big-name linked with a Premier League move is RB Leipzig's Dominik Szoboszlai. The 22-year-old Hungary international has refused to publicly commit his future to the Bundesliga outfit and has instead hinted he will consider his options this summer.
Leipzig are making moves in the transfer market, adding Nicolas Seiwald and Christoph Baumgartner to their ranks. The German side have also managed to tie Dani Olmo down to a new deal but face losing Josko Gvardiol to Manchester City after also allowing Christopher Nkunku to join Chelsea.
Szoboszlai is a player greatly admired by Newcastle but other suitors have expressed an interest. The player's £61m release clause, which expires at the end of the month, is also a sticking point. However, for many, he is the ideal target to chase after failing to land Maddison.
Newcastle are also keen to strengthen at the back. A host of left-backs have been scouted in recent months, with firm interest held in the likes of Antonee Robinson, Marc Cucurella, Kieran Tierney and more. On the opposite flank a deal is being worked on for Southampton right-back Tino Livramento. Newcastle are trying to strike a deal for the 20-year-old but the Saints are determined to recoup a huge figure upon his inevitable departure.
Howe also isn't against the idea of adding more central defensive cover to his ranks. While no bid has been placed, there is interest in Crystal Palace star Joachim Andersen. Sporting Lisbon's Goncalo Inacio and Feyenoord's David Hancko are two other defenders Newcastle admire.
The north east outfit are making sure their youth setup is bolstered this summer as well. Yankuba Minteh joined the club from Danish side Odense before being loaned out last week. Now, Newcastle have turned their attention to a young goalkeeping addition in the form of Josh Griffiths from West Brom.
The player's agency, Unique Sports Group, have strong links with Newcastle. The 20-year-old shot-stopper impressed during loans at Portsmouth and Cheltenham and he progressed to play in the Championship with the Baggies last term.
Newcastle could also add another central midfielder as well as Tonali after admitting being light in the middle of the park. It is not out of the question that another wide man is targeted after previous interest in the likes of Harvey Barnes and Moussa Diaby.
