Qualifying for the Champions League is one thing, but if Newcastle are going to lay down a marker in Europe and hold their own against the big boys of the continent, the Magpies can ill-afford any recruitment errors in the upcoming transfer window.
The Saudi-backed outfit have perhaps been more frugal in the market than initially anticipated in the wake of their lucrative takeover, but the cash should certainly be splashed in the coming months, and Eddie Howe's midfield sticks out like a sore thumb.
Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff, Joelinton and Joe Willock are all excellent options to have, but injuries throughout the season have exposed the Magpies' lack of depth in the centre of the park, and 20-year-old Elliot Anderson should not be thrown into the deep end of the Champions League pool so soon.
While Guimaraes has primarily operated in a deep-lying role, the Brazilian would hope to revert to his favoured number eight position from next season, so capturing an established defensive midfielder should be Newcastle's first port of call for the summer window.
West Ham United's Declan Rice is believed to be the dream, but competition for the Englishman's signature will be incredibly stiff, and forking out £100m on one player would restrict the Magpies' ability to bolster their wide ranks in defence and attack - a new left-back is also thought to be high on the agenda.
Manchester United's Scott McTominay, who possesses Champions League and Europa League experience - would represent a cheaper alternative, as would Fulham's Joao Palhinha and Ajax enforcer Edson Alvarez.
However, with incomings there must also be outgoings, and the possible exits of Jamal Lewis, Ryan Fraser, Matt Ritchie and Paul Dummett would free up space for players with Champions League pedigree.
Ben Knapton
