One of the big problems Newcastle United are facing this summer is that they are shopping in the high-end of the transfer market which means they will be going up against clubs with more to offer.
The Magpies are looking to add real quality to the squad ahead of the new season in a bid to push for those Champions League places again. The absence of European football for Eddie Howe's side is going to be both a blessing and a curse in that respect.
Having fewer fixtures to play will be a huge benefit to Newcastle who proved the season before last that without the burden of a congested schedule, they are a force to be reckoned with.
However, not having European football to offer will hinder them in the transfer market as the better players have higher ambitions and not playing on the biggest stage is a compromise few are willing to make.
This brings us to Newcastle's links with Dutch defender Lutsharel Geertruida. The Feyenoord right-back is being linked with a move to the Toon but also the likes of Arsenal and, because of Arne Slot's arrival, Liverpool with the two having worked together at Feyenoord.
That already puts Newcastle at a huge disadvantage for the defender who was compared to Sergio Ramos by Football Talent Scout. Both of those sides can offer Geertruida Champions League football, and of course the Arne Slot connection gives Liverpool an edge.
Now, though, Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Paris Saint-Germain have also entered the race for the 23-year-old, and our track record going up against them for signings isn't the best.
How serious Newcastle's interest in Geertruida is we're not sure, especially given his position, but with PSG now in the mix, we don't hold out much hope of getting this one over the line.
While he is listed as a right-back on Transfermarkt, it's worth noting that last season Geertruida played every position across the back line other than left-back, including central defensive midfield.
It's believed that Geertruida is valued at around £28million which puts him in the affordable category we reckon, but the competition for him might just be too great for us this summer even despite Newcastle's solid relationship with Feyenoord.