Ready to do business

NEWCASTLE United will look to clinch their first signing of what promises to be a busy summer when the transfer window opens tomorrow.

- By ROSS GREGORY

The early start, which will allow clubs to reinforce their squads before the Club World Cup, will see the trading period available from June 1 to June 10, before a brief closure.

Newcastle are expected to be extremely active as they aim to bring four players into their squad. They have targeted a goalkeeper, centre-half, right-sided forward and a striker as they bid to give Eddie Howe a substantial squad for the assault on the Premier League and Europe next term.

James Trafford had been earmarked as the first choice goalkeeper target after United almost signed him last summer, but his promotion to the Premier League could stall hopes of completing a deal, with the Clarets increasing the price tag on their prized asset after his record-breaking exploits in the Championship.

Newcastle are still pursuing the deal but have identified other options should they be unable to complete the signing.