Newcastle United will now have an attacking signing ‘on the agenda’ after the arrival of Sven Botman at St. James’ Park, confirms Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor.

The Lowdown: Botman signs

After months of negotiations, including a failed swoop during the January window, the Magpies have now announced the signing of the 22-year-old centre-back after a £32m fee was agreed with French outfit Lille.

Alongside Botman, another widely reported transfer target over the past few months has been Reims striker Hugo Ekitike.

Although Newcastle had held ‘positive talks’ with the Ligue 1 side over a potential switch this summer, the club could not come to an agreement with the 20-year-old’s representatives, leaving Eddie Howe to turn his attention elsewhere for an attacking signing.

The Latest: 'Calculated...'

Whilst Taylor doesn’t mention any specific names being linked with a move to Tyneside, the journalist believes that an attacking signing is already the next big priority at St. James’ Park.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, he claimed:

“I do think there’s scope to recruit another wide attacker as well, but obviously as we’ve seen with Newcastle, their recruitment strategy is actually very calculated, it’s not just throwing money at big names as many expected them to do, it’s smart shopping.

“So, I don’t have any specific names, but I do think there will be an attacking signing on the agenda.”

The Verdict: Great window

If Newcastle pull off the signing of a top attacking talent before the start of the season, then this will have been a fantastic transfer window for SJP.

The Magpies have attended to fixing their backline, with the permanent signing of Matt Targett at left-back and likely new no.1 Nick Pope joining from Burnley, as well as Botman.

Including Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier, Howe's likely first choice back five will be an entirely new group all signed in 2022, a far cry from the shambles that started the first game of last season.

Therefore, if the Tyneside outfit are now able to add to their attacking options, looking elsewhere after ending their pursuit in Ekitike, then Howe will have addressed the major weaknesses in his squad before a ball is kicked in 2022/23.