Relentless, tedious talk linking Newcastle United players has continued with another starter being touted for an exit by the media.

The rumour mill has not stopped spinning, even though we have kept all of our key men. Last summer Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes dominated chatter, Alexander Isak to Arsenal was the talk of January and the Italian media is constantly linking Sandro Tonali with a return to Serie A.

Newcastle’s position with PSR this summer is strong and there is no desire nor need to sell any of their regular starters, instead Paul Mitchell has two lists to improve the first team squad dependent on our Champions League status.

Howe responds to latest link

Earlier this week, The Telegraph reported that Man City are taking a look at Tino Livramento as they plan to sign a new right-back this summer following Kyle Walker’s January switch to Man City.

It isn’t only the terraces who are disgruntled with constant exit talk. Eddie Howe has expressed his disdain to the media about the paper talk, and has reinforced the message that we want to build on what we have – not reset the foundations.

Asked about Man City’s reported interest in Tino, Howe said: “It’s frustrating for us that we’re consistently talking about players rumoured to be leaving.

“We want to go the other way and strengthen the group. We want to make the team stronger for the future rather than lose our best players.”

Ahead of Wednesday’s big game at Anfield the media couldn’t resist attempting to cause unrest in the NUFC dressing room, with reports on Merseyside mentioning their interest in Lewis Hall; a compliment of sorts, but you can see why fans and Howe are tired of it.

Incomings expected, not exits

Newcastle created space to add to their squad from a PSR perspective in January with the deals made for Miguel Almiron and Lloyd Kelly and will look to address points of weakness within the squad in the summer. 

The Mail’s Craig Hope has reported that the Magpies plan to make five signings in the next window. Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford is “expected to arrive,” along with a right-sided centre back, right winger and “versatile midfielder/forward” in addition to Malaga winger Antonio Cordero on a free transfer.

Constant links for our key men have amounted to nothing, so it’s easy to pay them no mind as frustrating as it is that they keep popping up. Though football can change fast, all indications are that we will strengthen this summer.