Newcastle United's progress on incomings has 'slowed further', according to The Athletic's Chris Waugh.

The lowdown

Newcastle, who managed to finish 12th in last season's Premier League after previously flirting with relegation, want to bring in 'four or five players' this summer.

Bringing Joe Willock back to St James' Park following his successful loan spell is said to be their priority, and another midfielder could also be on the list, along with a centre-back and a back-up for Callum Wilson (The Athletic).

However, Steve Bruce is working within an 'extremely limited' budget and will be forced to take a 'box-clever approach'.

With less than a month to go until the new season starts, Newcastle have yet to sign a senior player. They reportedly considered a move for West Bromwich Albion's Kyle Bartley, who was valued at £3m, before pulling the plug.

The latest

Waugh noted on Twitter that there's 'no (incoming) transfer progress' to report at St James' Park.

While Newcastle's business is normally conducted at a 'glacial pace', communication from the club has grown 'ever more conspicuous by its absence' with the club struggling to make headway. (The Athletic)

The verdict

It should be stressed that, while the start of the season is creeping closer, the transfer window runs until 31 August. Newcastle still have time to get their transfer affairs in order and you'd like to think they'll pick up the pace at some point.

However, in the circumstances, the additions are unlikely to be transformative. The realistic goal for 2021/22 will be not to drop further down the table, this time keeping a healthy distance between themselves and relegation trouble.

Still, you'd imagine that another loan agreement for Willock - which they're 'confident' of reaching - would significantly improve the mood on Tyneside in the short term, especially amid continuing uncertainty regarding the proposed takeover.

In other news, could this defender be a realistic option for Newcastle?