Newcastle United have three transfer priorities this summer with a fourth seen as nice to have - journalist

After failing to really add any real first-team quality to the side in the last three transfer windows, the lack of depth in Newcastle United's squad has to be addressed this summer, with Paul Mitchell expected to be a very busy man.

Eddie Howe's current crop of players has overperformed and overdelivered if we're being honest about things. That's not to say that there isn't some amazing quality in the squad, because there clearly is.

However, so many of our first-team players are holdovers from the Mike Ashley days. Although credit to Eddie Howe for how much he has improved those players.

Still, if Newcastle want to continue to compete at the top of the table, they will absolutely need to address a few key areas this summer.

newcastleunited.com

Newcastle have three priority positions to fulfil in this summer's transfer window

We're pretty sure most fans will already have a good idea of what areas they believe need additions, and we've said that we need four players as a priority.

However, Luke Edwards has written that the club have three priorities, but admits there is room for a fourth that would be a welcome addition.

"A right-sided centre-back, a goalkeeper and a right winger are regarded as the priority positions to fill, although the club would also like to add another striker to compete with Alexander Isak given they will have extra games in Europe next term."

Will Osula needs to step up in pre-season and make it so Newcastle don't need a new striker

We'd still have a striker as a must-have, especially if we let Callum Wilson leave the club this summer. Although given his lack of availability over the last couple of seasons, there's a strong case for needing a striker even if we keep him.

That being said, if Will Osula can get a good pre-season behind him, there's every possibility that he can have more of an impact on the first team next season, which would reduce the need for a striker - again, if Callum Wilson stays. If Wilson goes, there's no question that we need to bring in another striker.

Right-sided midfielder has to be the top priority, followed by a central defender. We understand the need for a new goalkeeper, but as much as Nick Pope's footwork drives us nuts, he's still a good shot stopper and we could get by for another season with him between the sticks.