'Jury is out' as Newcastle United in talks over third summer signing & Michael Olise truth

It may be Euro 2024 season but Newcastle United are still the main topic on Tyneside!

The summer transfer window officially opened on Friday, and the Magpies have already got down to business by bringing in Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer from AFC Bournemouth. The question is... what next?

Here, our writers Liam Kennedy and Jordan Cronin answer questions on Kelly, James Trafford, further incomings, possible outgoings and Eddie Howe.

What are your thoughts on the signing of Lloyd Kelly? 

LK: “Solid start to the window. It's a signing that enables funds to be pushed into significant upgrades much further forward. He's got pace and experience as well as being a natural born leader, so lots to like about him. However, and this is a big concern, his injury record is not the best - and remember, he's coming to the club with the worst injury record in the Premier League last season.”

JC: “It could prove to be a shrewd piece of business. His ability is unquestioned, while his leadership and versatility is excellent to have in the squad. The key now is to remain fit and if he does that, it’d be no surprise to see him push for the England squad.”

James Trafford could be the next through the door - a good signing? 

LK: “I'm torn on this one. I can see the logic, to an extent, but also have my reservations. He's clearly coming in as a No.2 to Nick Pope, so I get why they're doing it, if the keeper who they think takes the club right to the top is not available this summer. However, I even have doubts about that.

“Is Trafford, at 21, off the bank of a confidence-sapping first season in the top flight, ready to play week-in, week-out if Pope gets injured again? And how will he, this time, deal with top flight scrutiny? Jury is out, at the moment, but that's not to doubt he's a lad of good size and talent.”

JC: “While he maybe wouldn’t be my pick, I understand the reason for wanting to sign him. It was only 12 months ago he was talked about as the best young goalkeeper in the country and it’s clear he remains highly-rated by England, and plenty others.

“I think Nick Pope staying fit is key to the Trafford deal being a success. A season as an understudy and he’ll be better for it. He’s still young and shouldn’t be written off following a tough season in a relegated team. As Liam alluded too, signing Kelly on a free, and a goalkeeper for a reported £20m allows Newcastle to go big on other positions.”

What other positions do Newcastle need to strengthen, as a priority?

LK: “I think the club need to sign a right forward, but that's no secret. I admire the chase of Michael Olise, but I think we all know it is likely fruitless, given that Chelsea have been working on that deal for about 18 months. Morgan Gibbs-White is a player I like, and think would fit like a glove, but I'd also still like to see another player capable of taking the burden off Alexander Isak brought in.”

JC: “United need a goalkeeper, a right-sided centre back, a right forward and striker but that could be dependent on outgoings. Like Liam, I’d absolutely love Olise but sadly I don’t see that coming off because of the amount of clubs interested. But it sounds like Newcastle will go big for a RW, and that’s exciting.”

And what about potential exits? 

LK: “If this is a question about who I'd like to see leave, in a world without sentiment or PSR, I'd say Martin Dubravka, Emil Krafth, Jamal Lewis, Ryan Fraser and Matt Targett, but we all know that's not how the world works. Miguel Almiron is being offered around the globe, and I think someone will bite.

“I'd keep leader Kieran Trippier, but wonder if the pull of Saudi cash could alter that thinking. And I don't think the club will go with three strikers, even though that'd be my preferred choice, so if a more robust forward can be sought, then it could be curtains for Callum Wilson. But again, in an ideal world, I'd not want to lose him, even with his injury issues.”

JC: “If I go with who I think will leave then Miguel Almiron is top of the list. And at this stage, I think Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson are more likely to go than not, but that could change. Martin Dubravka too.

“Newcastle have already released Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie and Jeff Hendrick, and it’s time other high earners follow. Ryan Fraser, Isaac Hayden and Jamal Lewis need off the wage bill, as does Matt Targett, whose barely kicked a ball since joining permanently. Fraser aside because of Southampton, will there be many takers? I’m doubtful.”

Finally, Eddie Howe to England talk... thoughts?

LK: “It's a non-starter, for now. England might win the Euros, Gareth Southgate may stay. Even if either of those unlikely scenarios play out, I still think it highly unlikely Howe leaves for the international job. I think Graham Potter and Steve Cooper will be top of the list - or equally, someone already within the England coaching pathway.”

JC: “There’s a conversation to be had in the future, but not now. Not any time soon. Perhaps this is a controversial opinion, but the England job, for me, is no longer the pinnacle. Newcastle United is far more exciting project and Howe relishes the day-to-day work with players. At international level, you don’t get that. He still has so much more to try and achieve before considering England.”