Sat Jul 21, 2018 8:19 am
Newcastle
Position last season: 10th
Transfers in: Martin Dubravka (Sparta Prague) undisclosed, Ki Sung-yueng (Swansea) free, Kenedy (Chelsea) loan
Transfers out: Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad) undisclosed, Massadio Haidara (Lens) free, Stuart Findlay (Kilmarnock) free
BBC Radio Newcastle's Matthew Raisbeck: "Rafael Benitez is again frustrated by Newcastle's approach to transfers. He was hoping for more than the £45m that was spent last summer - but has again only been given a modest budget.
"The Spaniard knows he needs to sell players - and reduce the wage bill - in order to bring in more new faces; striker Aleksandar Mitrovic - wanted by Fulham - is his most saleable asset.
"Benitez needs at least one striker. West Brom's Salomon Rondon is the Magpies' top target after they missed out on Alassane Plea. The United boss also wants to re-sign winger Andros Townsend from Crystal Palace, and could finance that deal by allowing Matt Ritchie to join Stoke.
"Three players have arrived so far. But given that Kenedy and Martin Dubravka have returned after being on loan, and Ki Sung-yeung is a like-for-like replacement for Mikel Merino, Newcastle are effectively no stronger than they were last season."