So, just for fun, let’s take a look at the potential starting XI for next season based on transfer links so far and look at the likelihood of these players pulling on the Black and White stripes next term.
Remember, this is just for fun, and if you want to join in, head on over to https://www.buildlineup.com/ and make your own and share them with us on our Twitter: @VitalNUFC and we will re-visit the idea and feature some of your best line-ups.
Henderson
Manchester United’s Dean Henderson has been linked with a move to the Toon since the end of the season and speculation keeps growing. Out of the ‘Keeper links, this one seems like the most likely to happen and would be a good signing. Likelihood: 8/10 Excitement: 7/10
Trippier
In his short time at the club, Trippier has established himself as an important part of the squad. It’s unlikley that Howe is even entertaining the idea of looking at his position in this window, especially with a revitalised Krafth as back-up.
Burn
Burn and Schar have forged a solid centre-back pairing and either could fill this position alongside a new defender, but we’ve gone with Burn here as he’s the new boy and this line up is about new signings.
Botman
Newcastle are not giving up on the 22-year-old Dutch defender but are facing stiff competition. However, Botman was keen on the move in January and remained interested after the window closed, so Newcastle could be in pole position on this one. Likelihood: 8/10 Excitement: 9/10
Renan Lodi from Atletico Madrid is another rumour that has been around for a while and seems to gain more traction each day. It’ll be a pricey outlay for a left-back at around £35m, but he is a Brazilian International with attacking tendencies. However, Ever More’s YouTube channel did a deep dive on Lodi and compared him to Targett and the results could shock. Likelihood: 6/10 Excitement: 7/10 (down from a 9 after seeing the aforementioned deep dive)
Winks
Harry Winks didn’t prove to be a popular choice when an interest was mooted, but he could be a solid addition if not exactly an exciting one. Likelihood: 3/10 Excitement: 5/10
Brunoooooooo
Nothing needs to be said here. Protect this man at all costs.
Allan Saint-Maximin
The mere suggestion of cashing in on ASM caused outrage on social media, and given that we’ve yet to be linked with a right sided midfielder of note, we’ve put him on the right flank here in order to keep him in the XI.
Fekir
With hope fading fast on Paqueta, Nabil Fekir would be a very exciting addition to the squad and the links have continued. Could be one to keep an eye on. Likelihood: 5/10 Excitement: 9/10
Carrasco
A double deal with Lodi and Carrasco was mooted recently which would transform our left side to Atletico Newcastle. But with a price of around £65m this one doesn’t seem to carry much weight, however mouth-watering a prospect it may be. Likelihood: 4/10 Excitement: 7/10
Ekitike
We almost went with Darwin Nunez here, but in all honesty, that’s about as likely as Sunderland winning the Premier League. Ekitike, however, is very possible with current club, Reims’ President saying as much in a recent interview. Likelihood: 8/10 Excitement: 8/10
So, what do you think of this 11? What are your ideal line-ups for next season? Don’t forget to let us know on our Twitter: @VitalNUFC