Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has made an exciting claim about the possibility of further transfer business at Newcastle United this summer. 

The lowdown: Three in...

So far during the off-season, sporting director Dan Ashworth and ownership group PIF have added Matt Targett (permanently), Sven Botman and Nick Pope to Eddie Howe's squad, spending £59.4m in the process (Transfermarkt).

Meanwhile, outcast striker Dwight Gayle became the latest player to leave the Magpies as the 34-year-old joined Stoke City, following Isaac Hayden, Ciaran Clark, Freddie Woodman and Jeff Hendrick out the door at St James' Park.

With the transfer window set to remain open until September 1, there is plenty of time for Newcastle to get deals over the line, something that one well-informed onlooker now expects to happen...

The latest: 'A few more additions'

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Sheth has claimed that the Magpies will almost certainly add to their ranks before the deadline, earmarking two key positions in particular.

He said: “Callum Wilson, of course, is their number nine at the moment, but he’s got a history of injuries, and when he’s played, his goals to games ratio is fantastic, but he misses too many games.

“So, I think they will want to reinforce that area and reinforce the area on the right-wing as well.

“So, all along the forward line, I would expect before 31st of August, maybe not necessarily before the start of the season, but definitely before the window closes, for Newcastle to have a few more additions.”

The verdict: Fingers crossed

Newcastle have been left somewhat frustrated in multiple pursuits during the window thus far, with the long and ultimately fruitless endeavour to sign talented French striker Hugo Ekitike, particularly time-consuming.

However, despite interest in many targets seemingly falling by the wayside, including the current pursuit of Jack Harrison from Leeds United, the Tynesiders must continue to seek out worthwhile targets in order to suitably strengthen the options at Howe's disposal.

While there was a major upturn in fortunes last season following the appointment of the 44-year-old and the January spending sanctioned by chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the depth of the squad remains threadbare in places. In order to continue on an upwards trajectory in the Premier League and perhaps mount a genuine cup run, further signings will be required.

Recently linked with a move for attacking trio Memphis Depay, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Marco Asensio, there is still a distinct possibility that there will indeed be further much-needed incomings to the Newcastle ranks.