Newcastle United lay groundwork for 'big' signing spree after £170m deals completed - sources
Newcastle United are planning to strengthen Eddie Howe's squad by spending big in the transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
The Magpies endured what was ultimately a frustrating season at St James' Park, resulting in a 12th-place finish which saw them miss out on qualification for European football.
They are determined to strengthen their squad as a result, and now believe they have the funds and room to spend big despite initial financial concerns.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, the £170million combined sales of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali have given them freedom to spend big.
Despite agreeing to two major exits worth a total of £169million, the Magpies are determined not to significantly weaken their squad before the new season begins.
Instead, they are lining up a number of incoming deals to replace outgoing players and strengthen in key positions as they eye an improvement on last season's form.
What is Eddie Howe's summer transfer plan?
Football Insider revaeled in May that Newcastle are planning to sign a new right-back, striker and central midfielder as their three priorities in the summer window.
Since then, Gordon's exit means they are likely to target a new left-winger, while the addition of another central midfielder may be accelerated after Tonali's move to Spurs.
Howe is determined to improve on last season's performance, and with key players leaving, understands he will need to bring in improvements quickly.
"Obviously, those two big departures will help Newcastle's financial position and will allow them to be proactive in the transfer market.
"I'm sure now those two exits have been completed, Newcastle will have a bit more headroom to try and be busy to make signings of their own as well.
"It's been the case for a while now that they've not been able to spend what they feel they could in that respect.
"But those two big departures will free up a bit of money for Howe to strengthen the squad, and he'll be hoping that money generated from those sales will go into new signings."
Could Newcastle's spending be restricted again this summer?
Despite putting plans in place to spend big this summer, there are lingering concerns about the Magpies' ability to spend big given their recent financial woes.
Newcastle have been prevented from spending big in recent windows by profit and sustainability rules as well as UEFA's strict financial restrictions.
They were handed a £5.2million fine by UEFA for breaching financial sustainability regulations, raising new doubts about the club's ability to spend big.
As a result, Football Insider revealed on 3 July that Newcastle were pushed towards selling both Gordon and Tonali to offset any financial concerns ahead of a busy window.
The club are keen to remain in line with any financial regulations, meaning they could face yet another transfer window where spending will be limited.