Newcastle United
Considering Newcastle have been notoriously thrifty under the stewardship of owner Mike Ashley, they aren’t an obvious selection when listing the clubs expecting to be busy in the upcoming weeks. But that may be about to change; after becoming unexpectedly close to relegation this season with a new managerial appointment on the horizon, there could be a flurry of activity on Tyneside.
Ashley has vowed he wants to win a trophy and is committed to giving the new manager the resources to invest in the team. Most supporters will approach his latest comments before the West Ham game with some trepidation, but if they are to secure the services of a decent manager any new appointment will surely demand freedom to mould the team his own way.
With a number of the recent signings yet to show promise, the squad is in need of bolstering. The backlash from supporters could surpass that of this season if Ashley goes back on his word again, so we could be about to see a small shift in attitude from an owner who has maybe been shocked into action following recent events.
Significant transfer activity could be financed, in part, by the sales of sought-after names such as Moussa Sissoko or Tim Krul, but even discarding this we can expect it to be a summer of changes at St James Park.
Manchester United
City are likely to renew their rivalry with neighbours United before the season even kicks off, with both expected to go head-to-head over any big names that may become available over the summer. After securing European football by finishing fourth, the Red Devils will hope to build on this, and have already done so with the signing of Memphis Depay from PSV Eindhoven for £25 million.
Should Real Madrid make a formal approach for goalkeeper David De Gea, United will have to decide whether they are happy with current back-up Victor Valdes or whether they wish to enter the market for a ready-made replacement. Considering the Spaniard’s form this season, where he made a series of match-winning displays that earned him the club’s player of the year award, he will be a big miss if he left for Madrid.
Elsewhere, there are clearly players in the squad Louis Van Gaal doesn’t trust. Despite the transfer activity the club have undertaken since his arrival at Old Trafford, this is an opportunity for the Dutchman to finally stamp his identity on the squad. Although central defenders Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have begun to settle into the manager’s style of play, reinforcements will be sought.
Also, Antonio Valencia has filled in admirably at right-back with Rafael out of favour, but a top class starter will surely be targeted. Central defensive options are Dortmund’s Mats Hummels and Valencia’s Nicolas Otamendi, with Nathaniel Clyne from Southampton linked for the right-back spot.