James Maddison, Nicolo Barella and Neymar - How Newcastle United make sure they stay in the top four

Eddie Howe's first full year in charge of Newcastle United has seen them earn Champions League football for the first time in 20 years and now he's got to keep them there.

Whilst everyone expected Newcastle to improve in the past year few would have predicted a top four finish for them 12 months ago.

The club have a new training ground and owners who want to invest in the club, whether or not you agree with much of what else goes on that is undeniable.

Howe reportedly only has a relatively small budget to work with this summer and is looking to boost his attack, knowing those members of the 'big six' are coming for him.

Staying in the top four will definitely by the team's top objective this season and we've outlined what they need to do this summer to achieve it.

The most important thing

Neymar and the continued lack of the forward is probably the most crucial part of the summer for the Magpies and their Saudi Arabia led revolution.

When Manchester City were first injected with cash they went out and got the biggest name available to them in the form of Robinho.

It was a move that didn't work out for a number of reasons and so far Newcastle's owners have avoided the mad period of signing someone just for their name.

With Neymar available from PSG and even linked to the Saudi Pro League, Howe's side have to ignore the glamorous idea of adding one of the best known players in the world just because there one of the few teams who could break the bank for him.

Undoubtedly talented, he is likely to bring more issues than answers and the team harmony just doesn't need his presence.

Not saying it would even be a possibility, it's just a word of warning and it would no doubt go for other players too.

No one is questioning how good Neymar is but it wouldn't fit into the sensible approach Newcastle have taken. Image: Alamy

Top transfer target

Newcastle's attack was far from poor but it's no doubt that much of their success was built on not conceding goals, so Howe's plan will no doubt be to add some more at the top end of the pitch.

James Maddison scored 10 goals and got nine assists for a Leicester City side who were relegated, having one of his most productive campaigns yet.

The Foxes' star is undoubtedly top of the shopping list for the Tyneside club but they face competition from Tottenham Hotspur.

If the England player decides that he prefers a move to London then RB Leipzig's Dominik Szoboszlai could be the man to turn to as a creative player, which would be annoying for those of us who will have to type out his name.

Barcelona are always looking to offload players so perhaps a move for Raphinha wouldn't be the worst thing either if they're looking for a wide player with goals in him.

Maddison is wanted at Newcastle and Tottenham. Image: Alamy

Who needs to go

Allan Saint-Maximin was by far the standout star for Newcastle in the pre Howe days but the form of others and his playing style means that's no longer the case.

The Frenchman could easily demand being first choice in a lot of other teams as the luxury player and could definitely look to move.

A similar argument could even be made for Miguel Almiron, who started the season making a mockery of Jack Grealish's mockery but was less influential as the season wore on.

Ciaran Clark and Matty Longstaff were let go by the club as they announced which players wouldn't be getting new contracts this summer.

Jamaal Lascelles is another who could join them going out the exit door after playing just seven times in the league last season. Luton Town have been linked with the defender.

Saint-Maximin hasn't had as much impact this season. Image: Alamy

Other additions

Newcastle have reportedly put in a bid for Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella and that would be an absolutely world class signing.

I suggested Liverpool should go for him in my piece about the Reds and mere hours later there were reports of Howe's side trying to sign the Champions League finalist.

He would certainly help unlock Bruno Guimaraes to push further up the pitch, Leeds United's Tyler Adams is another who could perform that role.

In the past Newcastle have been linked to Scott McTominay but the Manchester United midfielder is better in a more advanced role himself so it might not be the answer, Romeo Lavia or James Ward-Prowse from Southampton would be better alternatives.

Despite Dan Burn's popularity there is little doubt that left back is a position that can be improved in quality, hence the links to Arsenal's Kieran Tierney.

If Newcastle really want to be cheeky perhaps they can test the waters at Manchester City with a bid for the wantaway Joao Cancelo.

Barella is one of the best midfielders around right now. Image: Alamy

One more thing

Newcastle have to be realistic, they've come on leaps and bounds under Howe in the past 18 months and they're an undoubtedly good side.

However they will do well to reach another cup final and finish in the top four again, especially with the experience of the chasing pack.

But even if they don't make it back-to-back seasons in the Champions League they can't get frustrated or feel like they should move on from Howe.

The team are on an upward curve and with the right transfer windows in the next couple of years can easily make it into a 'Big Seven.'

Topics: Newcastle United, Transfers, Premier League, Champions League, Eddie Howe, Neymar, James Maddison, Spotlight

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a journalist for SPORTbible with over eight years of experience. Passionate about all sports, he mainly covers football and F1 - Daniel Ricciardo once spent an entire interview referring to him as 'Ryan Gosling,' still his proudest moment.

@Sidler28