Newcastle: Howe will 'reinforce two key positions' at St James' Park

Newcastle United ‘will want to reinforce’ upfront and on the right-wing before the current transfer window closes, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The Magpies have made a handful of astute acquisitions this summer, building on the foundations they set under manager Eddie Howe in the second half of 2021/22.

Howe kickstarted the window in solid fashion by securing left-back Matt Targett on a permanent deal from Aston Villa following a successful loan spell.

Goalkeeper Nick Pope then followed in his countryman’s footsteps, arriving from Burnley in a £10 million deal following their relegation from the Premier League.

And long-term target Sven Botman became Newcastle’s latest addition when the centre-back finally completed his switch from Ligue 1 outfit LOSC Lille.

With the defensive unit now virtually completely overhauled under the tutelage of Howe, the attention of the club’s hierarchy is now expected to switch to improving their attacking options.

Hugo Ekitike was expected to join from Stade Reims before he ended up signing for Paris Saint-Germain, leaving Newcastle to search for alternative targets.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, Sheth said: “Callum Wilson, of course, is their number nine at the moment, but he’s got a history of injuries, and when he’s played, his goals to games ratio is fantastic, but he misses too many games.

“So, I think they will want to reinforce that area and reinforce the area on the right-wing as well.

“So, all along the forward line, I would expect before 31st of August, maybe not necessarily before the start of the season, but definitely before the window closes, for Newcastle to have a few more additions.”

The Daily Mail have reported that Newcastle are ‘tracking’ Red