While Newcastle United got their summer transfer window off to a flying start, there is still work to be done at St James' Park ahead of the new Premier League season.
As things stand, Newcastle have only improved their defence ahead of their season opener against Nottingham Forest. Nick Pope, Sven Botman and Matt Targett are all fine additions, but the Magpies need to strengthen their options upfront.
Newcastle have been linked with a host of targets this summer that would improve their attack, but nothing concrete has materialised. Inflated transfer demands have seen Newcastle unwilling to do business with a number of clubs for fear of being taken advantage of due to their new ownership.
However, there is still plenty of time left in the transfer window for Newcastle to strengthen. So with that in mind, ChronicleLive picked out seven of Sky Bet's most intriguing transfer odds for Newcastle United this summer
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Lucas Paqueta - 1/1
The links to Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta just won't go away. The Brazilian international has been on Newcastle's radar since the January transfer window and if reports in France are to be believed, he is available this summer.
Sky Bet make Newcastle the outright favourites to sign Paqueta this summer with odds of 1/1. They give Newcastle essentially a 50/50 chance of signing the 24-year-old who is best friends with midfield maestro Bruno Guimaraes.
It's not neccessarily a position Newcastle need to strengthen this summer given their relative depth in midfield. However, Paqueta would improve them in the middle of the park. If he's available at a reasonable price, Newcastle should jump at the opportunity to lure him away from Lyon.
Jack Harrison - 1/1
Like Paqueta, Sky Bet make Newcastle outright favourites to sign Leeds United winger Jack Harrison this summer. The 25-year-old is said to be available for £35m, with Leeds unwilling to negotiate over the price of the winger. Given they have lost Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha this summer, the Whites are unlikely to want to lose another key contributor from last season.
However, the links to Harrison just won't go away. There is plenty of time left in the transfer window this summer and Newcastle might have to move closer towards Leeds' evaluation of the winger in order to sign him.
Nicolas Pepe - 5/1
There's no question about it that Newcastle need to improve their options out wide this summer, particularly on the right hand side. At the moment, Miguel Almiron and Ryan Fraser look set to battle it out for a starting spot in Eddie Howe's starting line-up next term.
However, an intriguing option Newcastle could consider is Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe. The Ivorian international has endured a mixed time at the Emirates following his move to North London in 2019. Sky Bet make Newcastle 5/1 favourites to sign Pepe, who could provide some real attacking flair out wide. While he only bagged one goal in the Premier league last term, he did score 10 league goals the season before. Given his pricey wages too, it's more likely this move would be a loan.
Ismaila Sarr - 5/1
Another option for Newcastle out wide could be Watford winger Ismaila Sarr, who Sky Bet give 5/1 odds of the Magpies signing. Sarr would give Newcastle a pacey threat down the right opposite Allan Saint-Maximin.
While having two burners on the outside capable of stretching a defence would be an enticing prospect, Watford would likely have to reduce their £35m asking price for the Senegalese winger.
Dwight McNeil - 6/1
Sky Bet make Newcastle 6/1 favourites to sign Burnley winger Dwight McNeil this summer. The Clarets have lost a number of key players following their relegation to the Championship, including keeper Nick Pope to Newcastle.
McNeil, who can operate on either winger, could be the next player out of the door at Turf Moor. A big move this summer could really help the promising 22-year-old kick on.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin - 9/4
Another name that just won't go away. Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin was reportedly Newcastle's major transfer window target this summer.
Calvert-Lewin endured a mixed season last term, but was coming off a 16-goal Premier League season prior to that. At 25, the England international is about to enter his prime and could spearhead Newcastle's new era for years to come.
Georginio Wijnaldum - 12/1
Who would have thought that when Georginio Wijnaldum left Newcastle for Liverpool. the Magpies would ever have a chance to see him return to St James' Park.
The Dutch midfielder looks set to leave PSG this summer a year after his arrival from Merseyside. Wijnaldum's time in Paris has been poor but the 31-year-old still has plenty to give. Like Paqueta, he'd improve Newcastle's midfield instantly too.
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