Eddie Howe's Newcastle United transfer secret now clear as key priorities revealed

Newcastle United know how crucial summer recruitment could turn out to be given their lofty aims for next season.

The Magpies narrowly missed out on European football after Manchester United's FA Cup win, meaning their UEFA Conference League place was wiped away as Erik ten Hag's side left it late to leave a nasty sting.

Eddie Howe's men can, however, only have themselves to blame. Yes, injuries played a huge part across a strange campaign but disappointing displays, more notably against Arsenal, Aston Villa and Crystal Place, mean bringing in fresh faces to help push towards the top four is more crucial than ever.

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Plenty of names have already been linked with a move to St James' Park, with it apparent a goalkeeper and a right-winger seem the utmost priority. With a budget of around £60m to play with, minus any potential outgoings, which stars could we see turn out for Newcastle next season...

Fear not, ChroncileLive rounds up every player United have been linked with so far and provides a little extra detail ahead of what could be an exciting summer for Howe and his recruitment team.

James Trafford

With a rumoured bid of £15m thought to have already been submitted, Newcastle look to be closing in on a deal to bring Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford to the club this summer. Likely to provide a healthy back-up option to Nick Pope, the ex-Manchester City man does possess Premier League experience and would be a shrewd addition.

Aaron Ramsdale

Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale is another English goalkeeper who has been linked with a switch to Newcastle, but his situation seems a little more complicated. Despite falling behind David Raya in the Gunners pecking order last season, Ramsdale looks likely to stay and fight for his place at the Emirates and would demand a heftier fee than Trafford for his services.

Giorgi Mamardashvili

Giorgi Mamardashvili is one of Europe's hottest goalkeeping prospects and has continued to impress during his time with Valencia in Spain. Reports from i earlier this year hinted that Newcastle had held talks with Valencia over his availability, but his price tag may just be a little bit out of the Magpies' range to force a deal over the line.

John Ruddy

John Ruddy is another name who has been quietly mentioned in the press, with his arrival only likely to provide a third-choice goalkeeping option as opposed to challenging the likes of Nick Pope for next season. Currently with Birmingham City, Ruddy is an experienced shot-stopper and would likely be a popular addition, but again, a deal looks unlikely.

Asmir Begovic

Another name touted to potentially replace Loris Karius at the club was QPR goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. Having spent periods of his career with Everton, Bournemouth and Chelsea, Begovic held his own as the R's staved off relegation to League One last season. Newcastle have been tediously linked with the 36-year-old, but again, any move seems wide of the mark.

Noni Madueke

Chelsea forward Noni Madueke would be a superb addition for Newcastle United this summer and his talents could help bolster the Magpies' options in attack. The Blues are thought to be lining up a bid for Michael Olise at Crystal Palace and that in itself could open the door for Howe to push through a move for the Englishman.

Michael Olise

Crystal Palace's Michael Olise is likely to get his desired move away from Selhurst Park sooner rather than later, but his destination remains a mystery. Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle United all remain the front-runners for his signature and his capabilities would be a huge addition for any top six Premier League outfit this summer.

Pedro Neto

Pedro Neto is another Premier League-proven star who you again feel has a big-money move in him over the next couple of years. Just where, who knows, but Newcastle would be stupid not to enquire about his service given his attacking talents. Superb with the ball at his feet, Neto almost glides past defenders with ease and at 24 has his best years ahead of him.

Bryan Mbeumo

Brentford forward Bryan Mbuemo has been pretty open over this summer about his desire to challenge for the biggest honours in football. Is he going to achieve that at the Gtech Community Stadium, probably not, so a move to St. James Park makes sense for everyone. Right? On a more serious note, Mbeumo would add more depth to Howe's attack and again is proven in England's top flight.

Federico Chiesa

Probably the biggest name to be linked with Newcastle this summer is that of Juventus' Federico Chiesa. A Euro 2020 winner with Italy, Chiesa's future in Italy seems to be at a crossroads and the Magpies are thought to be huge fans of his. Likely to cost upwards of £40m, it would be a statement signing should United pull this one off.