NEWCASTLE will need four more transfer windows to complete a squad overhaul, according to reports.
The club has spent £210million since the Saudi takeover a year ago with Eddie Howe going for quality over quantity.
Newcastle broke their transfer record to sign £63m Alexander Isak in the summer but he was one of only four arrivals in the window.
Sven Botman and Nick Pope also signed while Matty Targett made his loan move permanent.
But there is still a lack of depth in the squad and it will take two more summer transfer windows to address that issue, experts have told The Athletic.
Howe and sporting director Dan Ashworth sought to bring in young, up and coming talent in the window, with Botman and the latest signing of 18-year-old Garang Kuol testament to that.
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But to attract the highest standard of player Toon will need to be able to offer European football.
Newcastle identified Hugo Ekitike as a key transfer target following the takeover but did not appeal to the forward in January before he opted to join PSG in the summer.
Toon could face a similar situation in their pursuit of Leicester star James Maddison.
Newcastle reportedly want a midfielder in January and Maddison fits the bill but his form could entice other suitors who may hold the advantage of being able to offer European football, such as Tottenham or Arsenal.
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Newcastle have reportedly drawn up a list of transfer targets for January and that will likely include a forward too, with Howe eager to sign a right winger.
One player linked with a move to St. James’ Park is Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, who has also caught the eye of Arsenal and Liverpool.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
