Ayoze Perez revelation and Ivan Toney link which hints at Newcastle's transfer blueprint

Eddie Howe will rightly not publicly tolerate such talk, but those in power at Newcastle United can now start planning for next season in the Premier League. The Magpies have reached the magical 40-point mark, and it will take an unlikely revival from several relegation rivals to even threaten United's top-flight status.

The battle for survival over recent months has not stopped the steady stream of summer transfer speculation. January's spend in excess of £90m has whet the appetite of supporters, even if there have been several cautions issued to lower expectations of a substantial overhaul.

Newcastle have improved significantly in the calendar year, yet cases can still be made to strengthen in all areas. Attack is one position which most would agree upon, with Callum Wilson's injury record leaving Dwight Gayle as the only alternative to Chris Wood up front.

READ MORE: Miguel Almiron letting his football do the talking after hint of summer exit at Newcastle United

Miguel Almiron was rewarded for his recent upturn in form with a stunning midweek winner against Crystal Palace, but it was the Paraguay's international first club goal in 39 matches. Allan Saint-Maximin's best scoring campaign in black-and-white so far has yielded five goals, and Ryan Fraser and Jacob Murphy have contributed a further three.

The failed deadline-day move for Hugo Ekitike and ongoing reports indicate Newcastle remain in the market for a promising young forward. It is against this backdrop in which the intriguing revelation over Ayoze Perez's interest in a return has recently emerged.

The former Newcastle forward followed Rafa Benitez out of the exit door in the summer of 2019, leaving for Leicester City in a £30m deal. It has been far