Newcastle's window is finally wide open

IT was as though a handsome prince had come along and kissed Sleeping Beauty.

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Suddenly, after what seemed a lot longer than 40 winks, Newcastle United woke up and enthusiastically joined those wallowing in the excitement of the transfer market.

In came Anthony Elanga at £52m-plus, Leeds led with a flurry of three bids to take away Sean Longstaff, and the long goodbye to faithful servant Callum Wilson was at last completed.

Phew, that was all action yet we crave more because we are still playing catch-up. There very likely will be more, too.

James Trafford has been sitting in the departure lounge for so long he has taken root, Martin Dubravka and Odysseas Vlachodimos don't know if they are coming or going (probably going), and John Ruddy is poised for an extra year's employment doing very little.

Meanwhile a notice has been pinned up: 'Wanted, a right-sided central defender. Preferably young and quick.' Oh, and a striker who can score goals and stay fit.

Not much to ask for when you have a few quid, more scouts than Baden Powell, and a thirsty public to reassure. There is still time left and enough homework completed to fill three exercise books with recommendations and phone numbers.

Let us remind ourselves, despite the flurry of activity, it is still only one in with three more to go in an ideal world - whatever that is.

Longstaff's probable departure has had a look of inevitability about it just as it did with Miggy Almiron. Both were once key members of United's team who were suddenly frozen out of the starting XI.