Marquee signing and problem area addressed as Newcastle United transfer verdict given

Newcastle United are closing in on their first official signing of the summer as Lloyd Kelly undergoes a medical ahead of his free transfer to the Magpies.

The departing Bournemouth defender's arrival on Tyneside will be a huge boost for the club ahead of a busy summer of wheeling and dealing. But where should Newcastle be looking to strengthen next?

We've asked our Chronicle Live team to give their verdict on where Eddie Howe and his transfer team need to now prioritise in the market.

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Lee Ryder

For all the talk about goalkeepers it looks glaringly obvious that Newcastle United almost certainly require another centre-forward this summer. Especially if Callum Wilson moves on to pastures new which has been suggested to those in and around deals at St James' Park.

Wilson's injury woes, coupled with Alexander Isak's stop-start opening to the campaign when he also suffered knocks, underlines that a new striker would be key this season if Newcastle are to keep pace with rivals.

True, Newcastle can switch Anthony Gordon into the centre when required but an out and out marksman would get fans excited this summer.

Aaron Stokes

Newcastle have marked each of the last two summers with a grand, marquee signing and the feeling is that another of that nature will be unveiled at St James' Park in the coming months.

There is money to spend at present and the figure at Howe's disposal will only grow if some senior stars are allowed to leave. For me, the priority needs to be an upgrade at right-wing.

There are plenty of tempting options available this summer if the price is right. Someone like Bryan Mbeumo would be a fantastic addition, while managing to win the competitive race for Michael Olise or persuading Jarrod Bowen to swap the capital for the north east would be a statement of intent.

Miguel Almiron and Yankuba Minteh's respective futures will have a big impact on whether Newcastle can realistically explore a big-money arrival in that position. To take the Magpies to the next level, Eddie Howe should go all out for another top attacking asset.

Andrew Musgrove

Newcastle United need to sort out the future of Callum Wilson which will allow them to determine how strong they go on a striker. Listeners to The Everything is Black & White Podcast will know that I’ve been calling out for United to sign a third striker for the last 12 months - the need to do so has only grown in that time, and it’s a problem they need to sort out as quick as possible.

The type of striker and the fee to be paid will rest on Wilson’s future. If they manage to raise £12m-£15m by cashing in, United will then need to go after TWO strikers - one who can hit the ground running, and another who can learn from the new arrival and Alexander Isak.

If Wilson stays, United will have to be clever with the budget and will likely go after younger striker with potential - someone like Liam Delap has been mentioned. United do not want to be getting deep in to the window without making a decision on Wilson’s future because it really does impact the direction of their transfer window.

Stuart Jamieson

The arrival of Lloyd Kelly ticks an important box for Newcastle. He may not be the big-name signing fans crave, but his arrival gives Eddie Howe some much-needed cover at the back - and allows United to focus on other transfer priorities.

The Magpies need quality over quantity this summer and while good squad options are always useful, they should target players who will impact the first team.

That means a right-sided forward for me. It's the stand-out area which needs improvement and there should be no issue in spending the majority of any budget in this position. A strong central midfielder would be an excellent addition, but presuming finances are limited, the right wing should be the next and main focus.