Newcastle’s transfer priorities and the five players fighting for their futures ...Middle East

If Newcastle United manage to vault the final three hurdles of a marathon Premier League season to clinch Champions League football, it will be arguably the club’s greatest campaign since winning the title in 1924.

But appearances can sometimes be deceptive. Winning the Carabao Cup and returning to European football’s top table for the second time in three seasons would be an epic achievement but it should not kid anyone about the sheer scale of the summer restructure required on Tyneside to make this kind of season the norm at St James’ Park.

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The hard work starts as soon as the mini-transfer window opens on 1 June.

Because while it has been a brilliant season, it has not been an easy one. Tension and frayed power lines in the boardroom, putting players whose heads had been turned back on the right path and a lack of reinforcements in the transfer market have meant Howe has had to be tactically sharper and a more adroit man manager than at any point in his coaching career.

The good news is that the Newcastle hierarchy seem – to those aware of the summer plans, at least – to have heeded that message. Plans to re-stock the squad in key positions are understood to be “well underway”, with Newcastle hoping to take advantage of several clubs who are tottering close to limit of their allowed losses under the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules (PSR).

Newcastle hold a long-term interest in Villa’s Jacob Ramsey (L) (Photo: Getty)

Intriguingly, Newcastle hold a long-term interest in Villa’s Jacob Ramsey, although that’s the kind of deal that would surely be fiendishly difficult to broker with a rival for the Champions League.

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But there’s two plans being worked on – one that they can press the button on if they finish in the top five and another where they have to skip top targets who have made playing in the Champions League non-negotiable.

For his next trick Mitchell must work closely with Howe, who retains the final say on deals. “Alignment” is the buzzword behind the scenes – and there was agreement on the policy on sales and contract renewals in January – but how that plays out when the club are trying to secure key signings will be fascinating.

The Newcastle players fighting for their futures

Callum Wilson

There have been warm words behind-the-scenes towards Wilson but it’s difficult to see him returning next season, especially when most of those out of contract have already been handed new deals.

Sean Longstaff

Contract extension was triggered earlier in the season but he wants more first-team football, having barely figured of late.

Nick Pope

A strange one given he is firmly Newcastle’s No 1. But interest in James Trafford suggests Howe is looking at other options.

Jacob Murphy

Given his nature, he’d want to be included in this list. Truth is Newcastle want a right winger – as they have done for two years – but Murphy, targeting England honours, will be a big part of next season’s squad.

Kieran Trippier

Future is still not certain but that’s probably down to the player as much as anything. Eddie Howe is desperate to keep him at St James’ Park.

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Having a deeper squad – as well as lowering the average age of the group – are both understood to be driving forces behind the squad overhaul.

Sean Longstaff’s limited involvement – alongside interest from Premier League rivals like Leeds and Everton – suggests he too may be available, while Newcastle’s continued interest in Burnley’s James Trafford hints at Howe yearning for an upgrade or competition for Nick Pope.

Howe has always been cautious about uprooting the foundations of a squad who have served him well. But all the indications are that big changes are coming this summer.

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