Newcastle chiefs' sensible transfer approach despite long-term Man City ambition

Newcastle have renewed aspirations of becoming one of the best clubs in the world, but they are sensibly trying to emulate the recent progress of Brighton and Hove Albion in the meantime.

Since their takeover, the Magpies have been speculatively linked with signing some of Europe’s top talents as well as proven, established players who have performed on the world’s biggest stages.

However, the vast majority of those deals have not materialised.

They have acquired the services of England international Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid and also signed striker Chris Wood after meeting the release clause of £25million at Burnley.

But it is apparent that manager Eddie Howe doesn’t think the pair will be enough to save the 18th-placed side.

They have been linked with Brighton centre backs Adam Webster and Dan Burn over the past 48 hours, and have previously held talks with their technical director Dan Ashworth in the hope they can recruit him too.

The Seagulls have been quite literally soaring, they are sitting in ninth place in the Premier League and everything seems to be coming together at the south coast after several seasons of relegation battles despite showing promise.

Manager Graham Potter has led his side to six victories, 12 draws and just four defeats so far this campaign, suffering fewer losses than Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

The slow and steady move away from appearing destined for the drop to having an outsider’s chance of European football is down to the clear blueprints laid out by owner Tony Bloom to gradually become a Top Six side, and it is no surprise that Newcastle are taking inspiration from the Amex Stadium outfit.

Brighton have an established academy with a clear