Newcastle are now targeting a new position as Paul Mitchell plots how to spend £100m budget

Newcastle United have three clear priorities during this summer’s transfer window.

The most obvious one is to keep their best players, with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon linked with moves away from St James’ Park.

But Newcastle United will be confident about keeping all three, and should be more focussed on strengthening Eddie Howe’s squad.

It has been reported that Newcastle have a £100million transfer budget, and it will be up to sporting director Paul Mitchell to decide how it is spent.

The two priority positions are right wing and centre-back, with the club eager to bring in what they hope will be Fabian Schar’s long-term replacement. They also want someone to compliment Isak and Gordon in attack, and had identified Michael Olise for that role. However, Olise has signed for Bayern Munich instead.

Newcastle looking at another position during transfer window

Newcastle could also sign a striker this summer, but that will depend on Callum Wilson’s future. It perhaps is not a priority like the other two positions are.

However, a new report has detailed an additional position that Newcastle United are considering addressing before the transfer window closes on August 30th.

According to Sky Sports, Newcastle have also been looking at centre-midfielders who they could sign ahead of the new season. They add that a centre-back, right winger, and backup striker is also on the agenda.

New midfielder is not essential for Newcastle

Talk of Newcastle targeting another central midfielder is strange, given the options that Eddie Howe has in that position. Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton operate in that role, while the Magpies will soon be boosted by the return of Sandro Tonali from suspension. It is cliche, but he will be like a new signing.

Newcastle also have Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff who play in the middle of the park, as well as Lewis Miley. However, he is currently out of action due to injury and will miss all of pre-season.

Howe has lost one central player, with Elliot Anderson being sold to Nottingham Forest in a deal that helped resolve Newcastle’s PSR problem. It was a shame to see him go, but Anderson was told that he would be third choice to play as Newcastle’s left-sided central midfielder, which played a part in his decision to leave.

With that in mind, it seems strange that Newcastle would aim to sign another player in that position. It would make sense if someone else was going to leave, but that does not feel likely at this moment in time.

The only scenario in which it would make sense would be if a young player became available – someone who was brought in as one for the future rather than the present.

However, it would be a shock if Newcastle signed someone to compete with the likes of Tonali and Joelinton. The Magpies have more pressing matters, particularly in attack.