Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth will start his second week aiming to get clarification on exactly where things stand with Sven Botman and his representatives.
The Toon supremo was in the stands in Llanelli as Wales were beaten 1-0 by their Holland Under-21 counterparts with Botman playing 45 minutes, although Ashworth's son was also on the bench for the encounter suggesting it wasn't solely a scouting mission. Nevertheless, Ashworth's presence was noted as a good sign by Newcastle fans.
United certainly have an offer ready for Botman - believed to be around £46million - but the Magpies are eager for more dialogue with his representatives who now hold the key to his deal being done or Newcastle moving on. Indeed, after AC Milan briefed the Italian media they had effectively "left the room" on talks after Newcastle raised the stakes financially, Ashworth must learn whether they have genuinely withdrawn their interest or not.
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Ideally, Newcastle want to get the deal done in good time and before the squad's return for pre-season training on July 1. And as far as Lille star Botman is concerned he told his agent last week he was keen for his future to be sorted one way or another before he heads off to sunnier climes for his holidays.
By the same token Lille president Olivier Létang, who is keen on taking Newcastle's big offer, wants answers too as they begin to look for Botman's replacement.
Howe himself is keen on Botman and the possibility of signing him was strong enough for the ex-Bournemouth boss to pass on Everton-bound James Tarkowski. Meanwhile reports in Italy this morning suggest that AC Milan have turned to Pablo Mari as an alternative centre-back.
Mari spent last season on loan at Udinese and wants to remain in Serie A. He also put in a polished performance at the San Siro last term as Milan were held by Udinese at home in a 1-1 draw, something which has clearly left an impression on the Rossoneri.
Ashworth's other tasks in the coming weeks and days will also be trimming the squad down to a more manageable level. Geordie defender Lewis Cass left on a permanent deal for Port Vale this week and followed Isaac Hayden through the exit doors after his loan at Norwich.
But United still have 31 senior pros on their books and decisions on Dwight Gayle, Matt Ritchie, Freddie Woodman, Karl Darlow and Ciaran Clark all are all in store. Gayle has been linked with Middlesbrough and Sheffield United in recent days and has had on-off talks with his representatives in the last week or so.
