Newcastle United’s first summer transfer window following their lucrative takeover was touted to be one for the ages.
Considering the progress already made under Eddie Howe, with the Magpies rising from relegation precarity to eventually finish 11th, supporters and onlookers alike expected their new owners to build upon the foundations laid last season.
Amanda Staveley and co have no doubt looked to do this, but not with the ferocity many expected, perhaps out of necessity as opposed to choice.
The scale of the project has been reined in thanks in large part to Financial Fair Play rules and the fact that in the region of £100m was spent in January on four signings.
At present, Newcastle have added highly rated centre-back Sven Botman of Lille and goalkeeper Nick Pope from relegated Burnley along with Matt Targett, who has made his loan move permanent.
In January, the Tyneside club welcomed the arrivals of Chris Wood, Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn and midfield magician Bruno Guimaraes.
Shrewd business no doubt, however, there remain several areas that Howe will be keen to strengthen in order to continue the club’s upward trajectory.
Recruiting a striker was be-known to be high on the former Bournemouth manager’s list of priorities ahead of the transfer window, and after missing out on PSG-bound Hugo Ekitike, the need to strengthen the position still stands.
Digging deeper, a winger and specifically a right winger is thought to be needed together with a defensive midfielder.