Four players Newcastle need this summer to break into the top four

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Newly-minted Newcastle United will head into the upcoming summer transfer window with an extensive list of potential targets. Their Saudi Arabian owners are eager to establish the club as a major force and will undoubtedly splash the cash to help them achieve their aims. Given the investment the owners will likely make this summer, sports bettors in the United Kingdom may view Newcastle as a value wager to finish in the top four. It will be a similar story with punters in Ireland, where clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool have traditionally been favoured in Premier League markets.

Many of the top Irish betting sites could see plenty of interest in Newcastle, particularly with the prospect of some top talents pitching up at St James' Park before next season. With the current squad needing some quality adding to it, we look at four players Newcastle should sign this summer to boost their hopes of success.

Alphonso Davies

Dan Burn has done an admirable job at left-back this season, but Newcastle need to strengthen in that area if they are to challenge at the top of the table. They have been linked with Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney, but they should steer clear of him given his tendency to pick up injuries. Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies is a viable alternative, especially as he has the ability to play in several different positions. The 22-year-old would give Newcastle the option to play with wing-backs, providing them with the tactical flexibility they currently lack.

Conor Gallagher

Newcastle have already acquired one top class midfielder in Bruno Guimaraes, but they need more if they are to finish in the top four next season. Sean Longstaff is a solid enough performer for clubs battling against relegation, but is not the type of player you can build a top four team around. Chelsea's Conor Gallagher leaps off the page as a someone who could improve Newcastle's midfield options and he could be open to moving to St James' Park. Gallagher faces plenty of competition for a midfield berth and being part of Newcastle's future may be more appealing to him than warming the bench with the Blues.

James Maddison

Any club with ambitions of finishing in the top four in the Premier League needs some stardust in their team – James Maddison could be that player for Newcastle. The Leicester City playmaker has been heavily linked with the north east outfit and it would be no surprise to see him sign for the club this summer. The 26-year-old is out of contract in 2024 and has shown no indication that he is willing to extend his stay at the King Power Stadium. If Newcastle are serious about becoming contenders in the Premier League, signing players of Maddison's ilk would significantly boost their chances.

Goncalo Ramos

A feature of the successful Newcastle teams of yesteryear has been the inclusion of a prolific striker in the starting line-up. Jackie Milburn, Malcolm Macdonald and Alan Shearer are among the legendary names who have been hero-worshipped by the club's fans in the past. While club-record signing Alexander Isak has shown signs of potential, he would benefit from having someone alongside him to share the attacking workload. Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos fits the bill and would be a statement signing by Newcastle if they could secure his services this summer.