Risser ‘high’ on Newcastle’s list and Ederson one to watch - Report

Newcastle United are expected to be very busy in the summer with plenty of changes to the squad expected after a difficult season.

The squad is overdue for a big refresh as it is, but after such a mediocre season, it feels more important than ever to cut some of the dead wood free and bring in some fresh faces and ideas.

Everyone will have their own ideas of what and indeed who is needed, but we can all agree that a goalkeeper is a high priority this season, having failed to add an adequate competition for Nick Pope since the 34-year-old arrived from Burnley.

Pope's form has nosedived of late, and on-loan Aaron Ramsdale has failed to provide enough of a threat to get him to up his game, so it looks like Ramsdale will return to Southampton in the summer, and Newcastle will look elsewhere.

Robin Risser is 'high' on Newcastle's summer target list

James Trafford is once again being reported as Newcastle's priority target after two failed attempts to sign the Cumbrian in each of the last two summers, but the iPaper claims that the Magpies have a solid Plan B this time.

Newcastle have been linked several times with Robin Risser, who plies his trade at Lens, and their report claims the 21-year-old, tipped to be a future France No.1 is 'high' on Newcastle's list.

The same report also brings up another familiar name. Atalanta's Brazilian midfielder Ederson is also still of interest to Newcastle after having been linked with a move to Tyneside in several previous windows. Manchester United are also keen on the defensive midfielder, so there could be an interesting battle there.

Are we going to see a change of shape, finally?

What's intriguing about the Ederson line is that Mark Douglas brings up his name as part of Newcastle's search for a 'specialist number six', which suggests that Newcastle could be looking to change up their style of play.

It's nothing new that Newcastle has been reported as searching for a defensive midfielder, but they've never actually gone down that route as yet. If they were to sign a player who is an accomplished CDM, could we actually see a change in shape?

Eddie Howe has been under immense pressure, but it looks very much like he's going to be trusted to go again next season, which is fine by us, but the one thing we demand from the gaffer is some fresh ideas, a break from the stale 4-3-3, and bringing in a specialist No. 6 could be a good indication that change is coming.

We won't hold our breath, though. We've been linked with Ederson more than we have James Trafford.