Reader TTS

EDDIE HOWE IS READY TO MAKE SERIOUS INVESTMENT IN HIS SQUAD FOR THE 2025-26 SEASON 12:26, 02 Jun 2025 After three transfer windows of relative calm, Newcastle United are ready to plunge back

into the market this summer, and spend big on the first-team squad. The priorities don't seem to have changed much in the past 12 months, but the feeling is that the Magpies are now

likely to secure the deals which have alluded them to date. The squad needs more reinforcements throughout, but a goalkeeper, central defender and right-sided forward have been identified as

three key areas of improvement for the first-team. Eddie Howe knows his squad will have to be strong enough to deal with the extra eight Champions League games which are scheduled for next

term, while United must be able to maintain a challenge at the top end of the Premier League. Money is available. How much remains to be seen, and United will understandably keep their cards

close to their chest when it comes to budgets. Any income from player exits would, of course, increase their spending potential, but departures would likely need replacing. Newcastle are

confident of being able to land their top targets, although there remains competition, as always, for the big-name players they have been linked with. But how could United line up after a

'dream' summer transfer scenario? Here's a look at the potential strongest starting XI come the start of the 2025-26 campaign. GOALKEEPER Nick Pope ended the season strongly,

but that has not stopped constant speculation over a new goalkeeper arriving at St James' Park. United remain keen on Burnley's James Trafford and appear set to test the

Clarets' resolve to keep hold of the England Under-21 star. They enquired about his availability last summer but opted not to make any move - but now they could go back with a firm bid.

The pricetag is likely to be around the £30m, which is on the expensive side when you consider Caoimhin Kelleher will join Brentford for just £12.5m, rising to £18m. Pope could potentially

be used as a makeweight in the deal, but at 22, Trafford could be the No 1 for years to come, should a transfer be agreed. Article continues below DEFENCE It's no secret that Newcastle

are looking for a long-term central defensive partner for Sven Botman - and that Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi remains high on their wishlist. The protracted negotiations last summer came

to nothing and reflected poorly on both clubs, but with the England star out of contract next summer, the feeling is he will leave Selhurst Park in the coming months. Newcastle face

competition from Tottenham and potentially Liverpool and Chelsea, but a £50m asking price is well within their grasp. Fabian Schar and Dan Burn have performed superbly all season and will

continue to play an important role next term, but in Guehi and Botman, United would have a central defensive pairing that could last for many years to come. Add in Tino Livramento and Lewis

Hall at full-backs and it forms an exciting back line. MIDFIELD When it comes to first-team additions, Howe will not have spent too much time thinking about options here. Sandro Tonali,

Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton have formed a formidable unit that is the envy of many Premier League sides. The potential issues come with back-up options, with Sean Longstaff one of the

players linked with a move away. Lewis Miley is set for a bigger role next season while you feel it's a make-or-break time for Joe Willock. If he can stay fit then he has an important

part to play, but with interest from Fulham and Palace, his future is far from certain. FORWARDS Given the season Jacob Murphy has just had, you may wonder if Newcastle had decided to move

away from their recent search for a right-side forward. But the reality is there is little competition for Murphy, and United are looking to take their forward options to the next level. A

raft of right-sided forwards have been linked, with Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo emerging as the No 1 target. The Bees would part with their star man for anything less than £60m, but after

scouting the market extensively, United appear to feel he's worth the investment. Mbeumo, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon would surely strike fear into the hearts of most defences,

while Murphy and Harvey Barnes are top-class rotation options. The one glaring weakness is a suitable back-up for Isak, but don't back against United solving this issue in the coming

weeks too. DREAM NEWCASTLE UNITED STARTING XI PICK YOUR STRONGEST XI We've added the three top United transfer targets to the existing squad - all you have to do is pick your best XI

below. _Here at ChronicleLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best NEWCASTLE UNITED coverage and analysis._ _Make sure you don't miss out on the latest NUFC news by joining our

free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking HERE to subscribe._ Article continues below _You can also subscribe to our

free newsletter service. Click HERE to be sent all the day's biggest stories._ _And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our

Everything is Black and White podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including SPOTIFY and APPLE PODCASTS, and you can also watch along on YOUTUBE._