NEWCASTLE could boast an entirely different defensive line for the first day of the 2022-23 season compared to the start of this term.
The Toon were taken over in a £300million deal in October – with Eddie Howe splashing out on a number of stars in January.
And Howe is expected to be handed another substantial transfer kitty in the summer, too.
The Newcastle boss’ No1 priority appears to be his defence.
Howe already signed Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn on permanent deals in January, while also adding Matt Targett on loan from Aston Villa.
Targett is expected to stay at St James’ Park beyond the summer, with Howe recently raving about his new addition.
But the boss is keen to add more solidity to his back-line and is targeting TWO defensive additions.
Chelsea are set to part ways with Kepa Arrizabalaga – still the most-expensive goalkeeper in history following his 2018 transfer worth £71.6m.
Most read in Sport
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
The Spaniard was in impressive form as he deputised for Edouard Mendy during the latter’s Afcon adventure.
And despite his Carabao Cup final horror show– failing to save any of Liverpool’s 11 penalties and missing his own – the Blues are confident they can recoup at least £50m for Kepa.
Newcastle are rumoured to being one of many clubs keen to take advantage.
And the Magpies are set to reignite their interest in Lille centre-back Sven Botman in July to partner Burn in the heart of defence.
The Toon tried and failed on multiple occasions to sign the Swedish defender.
But Botman has since praised Newcastle’s ‘very nice project’ amid interest from AC Milan.
With Kepa and Botman, the Toon would boast a completely different defensive line to the first day of the 2021-22 season.
That day, a 4-2 defeat at home to West Ham, Steve Bruce had Freddie Woodman in goal, with a back five of Jacob Murphy, Emil Krafth, Ciaran Clark, Federico Fernandez and Matt Ritchie.
Fast forward to the present, the North-East side are looking strong in midfield with the likes of January buy Bruno Guimaraes, born-again-midfielder Joelinton and ex-Arsenal star Joe Willock.
Miguel Almiron, Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson could also pose a real threat to opposing defences, with Ryan Fraser and Chris Wood just two of the back-up brigade.
It’s little wonder why Howe is focusing on his defensive ranks.
However, Newcastle’s summer work will depend on whether or not they survive relegation.
The club have already flown well outside the relegation zone – now sitting 14th – following their horror start to the season.
And if they managed to stave off the drop, they will almost certainly splash the cash this summer in their bid to climb back to the top of English football.
Read our Football News Live blog for breaking news, transfer gossip and must-read stories