Newcastle United's summer transfer business that could…

Newcastle United's summer transfer business that could hint at Eddie Howe's tactical approach

Eddie Howe's side have waster no time in bolstering their defensive options just in time for pre-season. The Magpies first team players returned from their summer break to be put through their paces by Howe and his staff earlier today.

Matt Targett's permanent arrival is a shrewd piece of business, while Nick Pope's arrival bolsters the goalkeeping options at St. James' Park for a relatively low fee. Sven Botman's deal in principle is the first real statement signing of the summer and it's unlikely the Magpies will add to their back line until at least next season.

Newcastle have brought in a completely new back five since the January transfer window opened and it's no coincidence that their form improved dramatically. If they're able to carry that on into next season, there's no reason they can't be serious contenders for a European slot.

Now the Magpies have solidified their backline, it should allow their forward thinking players to unleash the shackles. There's no doubting that Howe's side needs improving in the final third, with Allan Saint-Maximin their most creative outlet with five assists last year.

The arrival of the summer additions means the Magpies can utilise a back three, four or five heading into the next campaign. Howe changed his formation in order to try and get one over his opponents, with the away fixture against Chelsea a prime example of how the Toon can compete with the best in the division.

The reverse fixture at St. James' Park was a one sided affair that Thomas Tuchel's side ran rampant in. Botman played the majority of last season in a back four with Lille and Fabian Schar has proven he's capable of playing in a defensive pairing, rather than a back three.

There's ample options for Howe at the back to switch things up now and while Hugo Ekitike's transfer saga rumbles on, the link to the young French forward shows the Newcastle hierarchy are more than aware of where they need to strengthen. Howe's previous approaches at Bournemouth have been as a counter-attacking side, and you would expect that to continue at the Magpies, given how far away they are from the sides in the Champions League places.

However, you would expect them to take the game to the likes of West Ham, Wolves and Leicester - sides they would have previously sat back against under former managers. The Toon need more additions before they can be properly expansive but they're in a transition period where Howe needs to strike the right balance.

With every addition to improve their squad, comes added pressure and more demand to play an attacking style of play. Howe hasn't yet shown a desire to pair Chris Wood with Callum Wilson, although it's not completely out of the question.

Joe Willock has also shown from his loan spell with the club that he's got an eye for goal and could in theory play off Wilson in a Mason Mount type role.

Newcastle United's summer transfer business that could hint at Eddie Howe's tactical approach

READ NEXT