New signing starts, U-21 stars get call-ups: Newcastle predicted XI vs Gateshead
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe could potentially hand a debut to new signing Bazoumana Toure when his team take on Gateshead on Saturday.
The Magpies are making the short trip across the Tyne to take on their National League neighbours in a lunchtime kick-off, as they continue their pre-season preparations.
Howe's men got their summer underway with a 3-0 victory over Darlington last weekend, in a game that saw a separate XI used in each half.
Several of the Tynesiders' stars are still away on their break after the World Cup, something the boss will have to take into account when selecting his team.
The 48-year-old opted to name a predominantly first-team XI for the win over Darlington, before the team became much younger after the half-time interval.
A similar approach is expected from Newcastle against Gateshead this weekend, but Toure could yet be in line for his first appearance in a black and white shirt.
Could Bazoumana Toure debut vs Gateshead?
Toure is currently Newcastle's biggest signing of what has been a difficult summer so far, with the club shelling out £42million to bring him in from Hoffenheim.
The Magpies faithful may not have to wait too much longer to see their new star in action, with journalist Lee Ryder reporting that he was due to join his new teammates in training on Friday morning.
Howe will be desperate to get the Ivory Coast international up to speed with the rest of the squad, and that could potentially see him start on the left wing against Gateshead.
Elsewhere in the side, the boss is likely to continue with the same first-half unit that lined up against Darlington, with either Harvey Barnes or Jacob Murphy potentially dropping to the bench if Toure is involved.
Exit-linked goalkeeper Nick Pope is likely to keep his place, while youngsters Leo Shahar and Alex Murphy are in line to keep continue at the back.
Howe is currently without several first-team stars through post-World Cup absence or injury, and will rely on youth team players in the second half once again.
How close are Newcastle to more signings coming in?
Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider earlier this week that this could be the "busiest week of the transfer window" for Newcastle.
He outlined that he expects their window to "heat up considerably," with plenty of work being done behind the scenes following the conclusion of the World Cup.
The Scottish businessman is clear that PIF "know" that they need to bring in some "marquee players" after some high-profile exits.
Newcastle completed their move for Monaco midfielder Aladji Bamba on Friday, and it may not be too long before more deals are put in place.