Can we expect more signings?

With the start of the season creeping ever closer, the majority of Newcastle fans remain concerned about the lack of depth and quality in the current squad. Chris Hughton has continued to try and reassure those fans as is well.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Hughton said he'd like to see more players come in before the Man Utd game.

'It would be nice to get more players in over the next couple of weeks,'

'Can I guarantee anything? Of course I can't, but we're working very hard on it.'

Which sounds like a lovely sentiment but what does it mean in reality?

The strongest rumour of late is that we're in a two-way battle with Blackpool for Manchester United's Tom Cleverley with Blackpool. The outcome appears uncertain, although Alex Ferguson is insisting on a guaranteed number of appearances which might hinder our own approach for the player. Reports suggest we'll know one way or the other before the week is out.

On the face of it, there are still a number of positions which require, at least, more strength in depth although some would argue there is room for improvement at right back and that we may also struggle for quality upfront.

Hughton, on the other hand, may feel he has enough firepower for the campaign ahead.

'Xisco has been good in pre-season. We have six strikers who have all been fit in pre-season so it's been a case of shifting them around to give them the minutes they need.'

'Xisco played more regularly back in Spain last season, now he must continue to do well in pre-season and force the issue.'

Positive words perhaps for the purposes of motivating and maybe we'll all get a nice surprise. But as a cynic, it's a sobering thought going into the season with the possibility of Xisco and Leon Best leading the line together at some point.

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