Newcastle United are keen to wrap up at least four deals this summer as they look to build on their brilliant form from the second half of last season to become genuine contenders for the European places this season.
The Magpies have improved significantly since Eddie Howe took the reigns, helped by some savvy business in the January transfer window which saw them shell out on Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Dan Burn and Bruno Guimaraes, while Matt Targett also joined on loan.
That loan move has since been made permanent, and it is understood that up to four new faces could follow him into Tyneside this summer.
As per The Northern Echo, Howe would like at least four new faces in his squad come the end of the transfer window, with a goalkeeper, centre back and striker the priority.
With Dean Henderson heading to Nottingham Forest, Newcastle have instead reportedly set their eye on Burnley shot-stopper Nick Pope, with new Clarets boss Vincent Kompany now having 'accepted that Pope will be moving on this summer'.
And, as per the Telegraph, a deal for the Englishman is close, with this deal by far the closest to completion that the Magpies have at present.
Ekitike and Botman latest
Meanwhile, deals for Ligue 1 pair Sven Botman and Hugo Ekitike remain very much front and centre in the Magpies' transfer plans.
As per the report, while a financial package for Botman has been prepared and agreed with Lille, the player himself is dragging his feet to see if a potential switch to Serie A champions AC Milan will be a possibility.
At present, the Rossoneri do not have the financial muscle to match Newcastle's bid, thought to consist of 30m euros up front, with a further 10m in potential add-ons.
Ekitike is another deal that has dragged all summer so far, but the Northern Echo claims that 'there should finally be movement one way or another before the weekend', with potential alternative destinations for the young forward running out.
At present, Newcastle represent the only viable destination, with PSG's interest in the media not having translated to a concrete offer.
Should Ekitike fall through, Dominic Calvert Lewin is though to be an option, though at a hefty £50m cost.