The Magpies are on the verge of completing the signing of Malick Thiaw, who will become the third new recruit of the summer following Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale. But the summer has been overshadowed by Newcastle missing out on a number of leading targets and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak.

Eddie Howe believes Anthony Gordon's injury may not be as bad as initially feared with the Newcastle forward deputising as a No 9 ahead of their Premier League opener