When Newcastle United were bought by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund many thought the club would soon be awash with new recruits costing kings’ ransoms. It hasn’t worked out that way.
Profit and Sustainability Rules have kept spending at St James’ Park in check and the Magpies have not made the anticipated huge outpourings, recently going a couple of transfer windows without making any significant new signings.
That is certain to change this summer after a successful season in which the Toon Army won their first major silverware in 70 years by beating Liverpool at Wembley to lift the Carabao Cup before a strong finish took them to fifth in the Premjer League, guaranteeing a place as one of six English clubs in next season’s Champions League.
Manager Eddie Howe was able to work his magic because the lack of European action meant fewer games last season and he got away with using a thinner squad than he would have ideally wanted.
But now Newcastle are sitting at the top table they will need to bring in three or four quality recruits if they are to cope with the increased demands placed on their resources.
Their first task will be to secure the long-term services of star striker Alexander Isak, whose goals led them to success, while the Magpies may also have to repel bids from Manchester City and clubs in Saudi Arabia for captain and inspirational midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
But they are closing in on capturing Joao Pedro from Brighton and although they have been heavily linked with a move for Crystal Palace’s England defender Marc Guehi it appears that approach may have gone cold.
Instead, the talk in Tyneside is that they may make a double swoop on the Seagulls by also making a successful bid for central defender Jan Paul van Hecke, who has been attracting interest from numerous well-heeled clubs including Liverpool.
Bookmakers bet365, though, have the Magpies at 12/1 to lure Jarell Quansah away from Liverpool, although the same company have Bayer Leverkusen as 4/9 favourites to have him on their books next season, and the better bet is for Newcastle to win the race to sign midfielder Mohammed Kudus from West Ham, which is 3/1 with Ladbrokes and Coral.
Royal Ascot odds: Trawlerman the one to watch
There’s no need to go fishing for alternatives in the betting market for the Gold Cup on day three at Royal Ascot as Trawlerman will net big rewards.
Aiden O’Brien’s classy Illinois is the market leader but Trawlerman, trained by John and Thadee Gosden and ridden by William Buick, can reel him after finishing second on similar good to firm ground in this race 12 months ago. He won at Sandown last time out and is easy to find at 5/2 with Ladbrokes, Coral, bet365 and many others.
O’Brien’s Charles Darwin is the favourite for the Norfolk, which opens proceedings, but preference goes to Richard Hannon’s First Legion at 14/1 with William Hill.
Also have an each-way nibble on Exclamation at 100/1 with Ladbrokes, Coral and Hills. Second behind Ali Shuffle at Chester last time out and third to Military Code at Newmarket before that, both winners have since run well in decent races. The big price shouldn’t be a deterrent either as Cairo was third at the same odds behind Docklands in the Queen Anne on Tuesday.
Serious Contender can live up to his name in the King George V for the O’Brien/Moore partnership at 7/2 with bet365 while Consolidation can improve on an eye-catching success at Goodwood last time out by winning the Britannia Stakes at 11/1 with the same firm, StarSports, Betfred and Bet Victor.
Golf odds: Harman can outshine Scheffler
Scottie Scheffler may smarting after failing to win the US Open at Oakmont on Sunday but preference for this week’s Travelers goes to 2023 Open champion Brian Harman.
He has six finishes in the top ten at this tournament since 2018 and is crying out to be supported each-way at 50/1 with BoyleSports to basically extend that trend At River Highland.