Newcastle United’s summer rebuild has been hindered by several missed transfer targets, with Johan Manzambi joining Aston Villa and Victor Munoz, Hugo Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko and Joao Pedro choosing rival clubs. The setbacks matter because Newcastle are attempting to refresh an ageing squad after finishing 12th last season, while competing against clubs able to offer stronger immediate prospects, including Champions League football.

The club has responded by changing its recruitment focus towards younger, development-minded players who are keen to join, signing 20-or-under trio Bazoumana Toure for £43m, Sean Steur and Ewen Jaouen. Newcastle’s longer-term project is also being tested by uncertainty around captain Bruno Guimaraes, 28, who has reportedly indicated he would like to join Arsenal, following the departures of other key players over the past year.