From missing out on key targets for rivals to Alexander Isak wanting to consider a move away from St James' Park, Sky Sports News' Keith Downey answers the key questions about Newcastle's troubled summer transfer window…
What went wrong for Newcastle this summer?
What's the problem with Newcastle's squad? Will Alexander Isak stay? Is there a chance to save the transfer window for Eddie Howe's side?
From missing out on key targets to rivals and Isak wanting to consider a move away from St James' Park, Sky Sports News' Keith Downey answers the big questions…
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What has been the main problem with Newcastle's recruitment this season?
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Former Newcastle United striker Les Ferdinand has discussed the dramatic transfer window which has seen the club lose a number of players, as well as the possible departure of star player Alexander Isak.
The club faced many difficulties.
The first and most noticeable of these is the fact that they had to operate without a sporting director.
Paul Mitchell left early in the transfer window, leaving the club in a difficult position.
Eddie Howe, who was left to sort out the situation, said he only learned of Mitchell's departure while on holiday. Mitchell was supposed to handle all the negotiations and establish contacts with other clubs, but that task was given to Howe and his nephew Andy.
Andy Howe works in recruitment and is highly respected, but high-level transfer negotiations were something entirely new to him this summer. He learned by doing. It wasn't his fault he was in a difficult situation.
Another problem was identifying players that other clubs were interested in.
Looking at the players they have targeted, Dean Huysen has chosen Real Madrid, Liam Delap and Joao Pedro have chosen Chelsea.
Pictured: New Chelsea strikers Joao Pedro and Liam Delap won the Club World Cup together last month after Newcastle failed to challenge for the pair.
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have chosen Manchester United, with Benjamin Cesko expected to follow them to Old Trafford. United's starting three next season will feature three players Newcastle either liked or tried to sign.
Goalkeeper James Trafford joined Manchester City due to a clause in his contract with Burnley, while Hugo Ekitikey was, of course, poached by Liverpool.
Newcastle came close to signing a club-record contract for the Frenchman but ultimately lost out to an Anfield side who then added insult to injury by unsettling Alexander Isak to the point that he refused to travel on Newcastle's pre-season tour.
If you look at the teams they've missed out on, they're the top-flight Champions League teams and Manchester United, who despite having a bad season are still one of the biggest clubs in the world.
This may indicate that Newcastle have a good understanding of talent
Sourse: skysports.com
