Newcastle failed to score from open play again at the weekend, a cause for concern given their attacking numbers are down in all key areas

There was no lavish, £200m-plus spend on Tyneside, as Howe welcomed two backup goalkeepers, Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer and an inexperienced striker in William Osula to his ranks after Hall's permanent move was confirmed.

Eddie Howe’s decision to name Bruno Guimaraes as Newcastle United ’s captain took many by surprise, including The Athletic’s Chris Waugh, who has called out the gaffer for his decision under a veil of “skepticism.”