Newcastle United are exploring the idea of re-signing three former players ahead of next season’s Champions League campaign.
The Magpies secured a return to UEFA’s premier club competition on the final day of the Premier League season despite a 1-0 defeat to Everton.
It capped off a memorable season for Eddie Howe’s side who ended their 70-year wait for a trophy with Carabao Cup success in March.
The curtains may have been drawn on the 2024/25 campaign but Howe and his staff are already laying the foundations for the big kick off in August.
And that means a full review of what players he will have at his disposal for what is likely to be a gruelling nine months of club football.
Howe knows his squad will require depth for a full-on assault on domestic trophies while the added eight Champions League fixtures between September and January will also need to be factored in.
As will the adherence to UEFA requirements as the Magpies need a minimum of four homegrown players in the team to meet the required quota.
The rules state that the players must have been registered with the club for a minimum of three years between the ages of 15 and 21.
Therefore it appears there is work to be done to meet the requirements with midfielder Sean Longstaff, who was a key feature in Newcastle’s Champions League campaign two years ago, as the only player who currently meets the criteria.
But Longstaff has been linked with a move away from St James’ Park meaning Howe could be left in further limbo.
However, the Magpies could look to familiar faces to help combat the issue with the position of goalkeeper an area of interest.
Newcastle are not short of goalkeepers but with the future of Nick Pope unclear and Martin Dubravka expected to depart this summer, Howe could act with the addition of a new shot-stopper, or two.
One option could be former goalkeeper Tim Krul who is set to be released by Luton Town following their relegation to League One.
The Dutchman spent 11 years on Tyneside despite being loaned out by the club on six occasions.
Freddie Woodman who began his career at St James’ Park before leaving in 2022 is another option. Woodman has impressed at Preston so much so that he has recently been linked with a move to Manchester United.
Another possibility is the return of Fraser Forster who was recently released by Europa League winners Tottenham.
The 37-year-old boasts crucial Champions League experience with Celtic and enjoyed six years at St James’ Park before venturing to Glasgow.
Newcastle will hope to hang on to key names in other positions this summer after an impressive campaign that saw a number of players shine.
Alexander Isak who finished the season as the Magpies’ top scorer has been linked with a move away from the club but Champions League football coupled with no evidence that he is in a hurry to leave the club will sit well with the Toon Army.
Meanwhile, Bruno Guimaraes has also signalled his intention to remain on Tyneside following interest from Manchester City.
Howe knows that adding to his squad will not be as straight forward as many believe having lost out on two reported targets namely Bryan Mbeumo and Liam Delap in recent days.
“If a player is already established then the wages and the financial package becomes difficult for us, speaking honestly,” Howe told reporters last month.
“As much as we’d want, and as much as it is easier for me to bring in a ready made established world class player, I don’t think we have done that since I’ve been here.
“We have not been able to and not been in that position, the position of other clubs. We have to bring them in and make them that (world class). I don’t envisage that changing because of the PSR restraints on us.”
