Transfer Talk: The Toon targets who can take them to the top

Newcastle have been enjoying an exceptional season but their squad depth could still do with a boost.

The Magpies' form has faltered of late and they are on a five-game winless run in the Premier League, slipping to sixth in the table.

Eddie Howe has transformed a team that only finished 11th last term but further quality must be acquired if the Tynesiders are to achieve their lofty ambitions.

Ahead of Wolves' visit to St James' Park, we take a look at the summer transfers that could take Newcastle to the top.

Sign Salisu

Newcastle's success so far has been underpinned by their rock-solid defence and Howe will be keen to further establish his side's reputation for giving little away to their opponents.

The club's first-choice centre-back pairing of Sven Botman and Fabian Schar is superb but with Dan Burn frequently featuring at left-back, club captain Jamaal Lascelles — who has started just two Premier League games this season — is the only senior option available to provide cover.

As a result, the acquisition of another centre-half could be crucial to ensuring there is adequate competition in that area.

Mohammed Salisu was reportedly targeted by the club in January 2022 and the left-footed Ghanaian could be available for a reasonable fee in the summer if his current team Southampton were to drop into the Championship.

Going into this weekend, only James Tarkowski and Joachim Andersen had recorded a higher total of combined blocks and clearances than Salisu's 149.

He is a capable defender and — at just 23 — would bring down the average age of Newcastle's rearguard options.

Top Tier

Another area where Newcastle could improve is at left-back by adding some attacking thrust to mirror the work of Kieran Trippier on the right.

Burn has performed capably and offers plenty of stability but he is not a naturally forward-thinking full-back.

Arsenal's Kieran Tierney has emerged as an option for the Magpies and the Scotland international would certainly represent an upgrade on Matt Targett and Jamal Lewis.

The 25-year-old has been a regular in the Gunners' Europa League campaign, although he did not feature in the last-16 clash with Sporting, and has highlighted his attacking prowess in the competition.

Only three players in the tournament have taken more shots from the left side of the box than his four — Abdellah Zoubir, Marcus Rashford and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Arteta was coy in his response when asked about the possibility of the Scot leaving the Gunners in search of regular football, though he did not rule out a move.

He said: "I don't know, I'm not thinking about [the possibility of Tierney leaving]. I'm thinking about what's best for the team.

"Players have the right to play minutes, which they all deserve. We're going to try to do that in the next games."

Should that promise be left unfulfilled, however, the door may be opened for Newcastle to make an exciting signing.

Dumfries deal

While Trippier has been excellent at bombing forward from right-back, the England international is 32 and his minutes will need to be carefully managed — especially with the potential demands of European football next term.

Neither Emil Krafth nor Javier Manquillo are good enough to step into Trippier's shoes, while youngster Harrison Ashby remains inexperienced.

Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries, therefore, could prove to be an ideal acquisition.

The 26-year-old has created nine big chances from open play in Serie A ahead of this weekend — behind only Rafael Leao, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Kvicha Kvaratskhelia in the competition.

Franca find

Newcastle, despite their obvious resources, have shown a desire not to overspend in the market.

Central midfield is certainly on their list of areas to bolster, particularly a more forward-thinking player, with Leicester's James Maddison among those linked with a move to the North East.

However, the Magpies have also been credited with an interest in a lesser-known star — Flamengo's Matheus Franca.

Newcastle's recent bid of around £18million was rebuffed and the 18-year-old has just signed a new contract.

But the club reportedly remain interested and any improved offer is still likely to be for a relatively modest fee, enabling the Magpies to recruit the youngster and a marquee signing in the same position.