Newcastle United are steadily going about their summer rebuild as they look to avoid a repeat of last season. Eddie Howe's arrival transformed a lacklustre, underperforming Magpies side that did not win a game until December 5, with their Premier League status hanging in the balance.
The January transfer window played a huge part in aiding Howe's survival bid with the likes of Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes adding some much needed class to a squad that had been lacking investment for years. The winter window was a success and the Magpies will be hoping their summer business has a similar effect.
Matt Targett's permanent transfer is a solid piece of business, while Nick Pope is a bargain in this current market. There'll be more arrivals prior to the curtain raiser against Nottingham Forest, with the Magpies closing in on a move for Sven Botman.
READ MORE: Newcastle United the priority over England for Nick Pope amid Eddie Howe praise
Away from the transfer front, Howe has a number of decisions to make next season. Jamaal Lascelles is the current Newcastle captain but the arrival of Dan Burn saw the 28-year-old's game time take a hit.
The arrival of Botman would only add further competition in that area and Lascelles game time could be reduced further. With that in mind, Howe would need to elect another captain in his place.
The Magpies squad took a vote last year to decide who would wear the armband and you would expect the same when they return for pre-season. But one man is at the front of the queue,
Trippier boasts a wealth of experience and his impact on the Magpies' dressing room mentality needs no introduction. The Magpies are a different side when he's on the pitch and is comfortably one of the best defenders in the division.
Two more of the January arrivals are also in with a shout of taking the armband. Bruno Guimaraes has led by example and his displays at the end of last season saw him linked with a move to Real Madrid, while Dan Burn has been a reliable addition to the backline.
The Magpies are recruiting the right characters for Howe's rebuild and Pope is one who could immediately take the armband, but that could hinge on whether he comes out on top in the battle to be number one with Martin Dubravka.
Callum Wilson is also another serious contender to take over from Lascelles. The Newcastle number nine took the armband in the win over Arsenal towards the end of the season and put in a stellar performance.
You can't overlook the current group of captains. Jonjo Shelvey is one of the vice captains at the club and enjoyed a huge renaissance after Howe's arrival. There's been plenty of questions about his attitude and application over the years, but he's been one of the consistent performers last time out.
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