Journalist now shares how Newcastle view £15m summer signing after apparent snub on Sunday

While Newcastle United's transfer business this summer left a lot to be desired the Magpies did pick up a couple of players who have made their way into the first-team squad.

Lloyd Kelly was brought in on a free after his Bournemouth contract expired with Eddie Howe very familiar with what Kelly could bring to the team.

The left-sided defender/left-back has appeared in every Premier League game so far this season alternating between starting on the pitch and on the bench, and has even racked up an assist already.

Meanwhile, Newcastle's other first-team signing Will Osula, who was brought in from Sheffield United for a fee rising to £15 million has sat on the bench in all five games this season but is yet to have a sniff of action.

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Will Osula was left on the bench despite Newcastle having no striker on the pitch on Sunday

It's almost a 100% probability that if Callum Wilson were fit, Osula wouldn't even be on the bench and that much became evident on Sunday when Eddie Howe was forced to withdraw striker Alexander Isak at half time.

Instead of giving Osula his debut, Howe moved Anthony Gordon into the middle to cover as striker and left his actual other striker to watch from the sidelines.

This prompted a question from the fans in Chris Waugh's most recent Q&A for The Athletic as to what Osula's role is at the club.

Is Will Osula this season's Lewis Hall?

The question asked if Osula is being treated similar to Lewis Hall last season - keeping him in and around the first team with very little actual involvement to build up his confidence and skill.

This was pretty much confirmed by Waugh who said that Osula is being referred to as a 'project player' meaning he's more one for the near future rather than the here and now.

That makes sense given that Osula has made 17 Premier League appearances for Sheffield United and not found the net once. Osula did find the net in pre-season for Newcastle in the Sela Cup but the effort was chalked off for offside.

It was a tidy finish though, and hopefully a glimpse of what the 6'4" Danish U21 can do.