Almost certainly shut for incoming business for the summer, Newcastle United are taking a long-term view of their progression.
The Magpies fall into the category of Premier League clubs who have the funds and are willing to do further business but not the Financial Fair Play wiggle room necessary to keep their long-term plans on track.
Outgoings are expected in the next few days but nothing lucrative or game-changing. First up heading for the exit door is Ryan Fraser, who has been training with the under-21s for months after being excommunicated and will go on loan to Southampton.
Most of the departures are likely to be along the same lines, with Newcastle saving wages but not raising fees.
All of that means plans to bring in another centre-back and winger in future transfer windows will not be accelerated in the next few days. Instead, the extensive analysis, data scraping, scouting and leg work on potential deals will go on in the background, as a potentially pivotal first few months of the campaign play out.
Spain international Nico Williams, the Athletic Bilbao flier, is one of a crop of names understood to be under consideration.
Eddie Howe will be happy enough with that, having upgraded his squad in key areas over the summer. But whether it is enough to maintain the steep upward trajectory of the last 18 months remains to be seen, with Champions League fixtures to be added into the mix in the autumn.
Liverpool await on Sunday as Newcastle look for revenge for Jurgen Klopp’s side doing the double on the Magpies last season.
The German is not especially popular on Tyneside after comments about Newcastle’s spending power but Eddie Howe says it’s business rather than personal at St James’ Park this weekend.
He has a point. Last weekend’s trip to the Etihad was painted as a litmus test of their ambition after their opening day evisceration of Aston Villa but surely this is a better marker for the Magpies.
Liverpool finished fifth last season, running Newcastle all the way despite their lack of form in the first half of the season, and are close rivals in the battle for the top four. Whoever prevails, it will be a meaningful win.
“These games are iconic, Newcastle vs Liverpool battles,” Howe said on Friday.
“Last year we were disappointed with the two defeats and the last minute of that Anfield game has replayed in my mind many times.
“The game at home was also painful [(n which Nick Pope was sent off) in a different way.”
His team will be also able to draw on the unity of Newcastle’s supporter base, despite Bruno Guimaraes snapping in midweek at a social media post that sought opinion about their defeat at Manchester City.
No harm done, insists Howe. “Bruno is a very emotional person,” he said.
“You’ve seen it on the pitch and it’s such a positive for us. He’s used it brilliantly for us to build a feeling with the supporters.
“They see how much it means to him. He’s used that so well. Maybe it’s a little lesson for him.”
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