The signing of Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa has plugged the gap left by Sean Longstaff’s departure, with Howe now having six central midfielders to pick from this season. Joe Willock’s current injury issues and recent fitness track record will also be a concern for the club going forward.

Eddie Howe has received a vote of confidence despite his Newcastle United team enduring a tough summer transfer window.

On the flanks, United are almost spoiled for choice, with new signing Anthony Elanga now competing with Jacob Murphy, while Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes are two top-class options on the left . . . once Gordon is free from his striker duties.

Liverpool continue to await encouragement from Newcastle United over Alexander Isak as Ben Doak moves closer to joining Bournemouth for £25m

There was one new signing on display, two if you include Park Seung-soo, the young South Korean winger who joined from Suwon Bluewings last month and made a couple of lively cameo appearances on Newcastle’s tour to east Asia.

Don Hutchison explains why Alexander Isak's Instagram post about wanting to leave Newcastle doesn't guarantee him a move away from the club.

Alexander Isak believes his departure from Newcastle is "in the best interests of everyone" after breaking his silence on the saga of the Premier League transfer window amid speculation over a move to Liverpool.