Newcastle United "dream XI" vs Nottingham Forest following summer spending spree

Newcastle United could field an entirely different side to the one that beat Burnley on the final day of the 2021-2 campaign. Post-season excitement is emanating around Tyneside as the new Saudi-backed regime tackle their first summer transfer window at the helm.

Fans’ annual fear over which players will be leaving has transformed into optimism as Toon chiefs aim to give Eddie Howe the tools to help propel the Magpies up the table. ChronicleLive have balanced the new owners’ pledge for a “steady build” with dream signings who have a realistic chance of donning black-and-white stripes come August 6.

Far-fetched transfers will not be included in our “dream XI”. Absurd reports emerged last month linking Newcastle with a move for Brazil and PSG superstar Neymar and Manchester United misfit Paul Pogba. You do not have to be a lifelong season ticket holder in the Gallowgate End to know these claims are far from plausible.

Between the sticks poses a dilemma as Martin Dubravka has been the undisputed number one since 2018. Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson was heavily linked with a move to St James’ Park but is now expected to join Nottingham Forest on loan. Burnley’s Nick Pope is another England international touted to join Newcastle… but is he better than the current Toon shot-stopper?

In defence, supporters are likely sick to death of the ongoing Sven Botman saga. Persuading the Dutch U21 international to choose Tyneside over Milan would be a statement of intent but may prove difficult given there is no European football on offer. Elsewhere, most of the backline was bolstered in January, with Kieran Trippier and Matt Targett answering the Magpies’ perennial full-back problems. The latter made his loan switch