No wow factor as Newcastle's owners build solid foundations

LONDON : Newcastle United fans expecting an influx of so-called Galacticos ahead of the new Premier League season might feel short-changed as the club's Saudi Arabian owners have resisted any urge to splash out vast sums of their cash.

With their opening Premier League match at home to promoted Nottingham Forest four days away, Dutch centre back Sven Botman remains the club's biggest close-season recruit having joined for 33 million pounds ($40.29 million) from French club Lille.

England international keeper Nick Pope also arrived, left back Matt Targett made a loan spell permanent and midfielder Isaac Hayden joined on a free transfer from Norwich City.

Solid enough signings but hardly the kind of names that will have the Toon Army buzzing with excitement.

It is almost 10 months since Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) completed a controversial 300 million pounds buyout of the north-east club with the dubious distinction of being the biggest of sleeping giants in English soccer.

Their first move was to sack manager Steve Bruce and hire Eddie Howe who produced a remarkable turnaround in form as Newcastle, who did not claim a victory until December, won 12 games after the turn of the year to finish 11th.

The January signings of England right back Kieran Trippier, Brighton centre back Dan Burn and Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes were key factors in Newcastle's escape.

Having secured their top flight status, many expected an influx of big names ahead of the new campaign but it appears the PIF are sticking to their pledge that bringing silverware to the club will be a long-term, not a vanity, project.

FINANCIAL RULES

The Premier League's financial fair play rules mean it was never likely that a bunch of A-listers would