Newcastle United are yet to follow on from Sandro Tonali but after a plethora of big-names returned to training on Friday it doesn't take a genius to see that things are still taking shape gradually for the Saudi-backed Magpies.
Tonali will almost certainly be a shoo-in to Eddie Howe's starting line-up for the opening game of the season against Aston Villa. But who will join him?
Tonali could quite easily find himself alongside Bruno Guimaraes and the dependable Joelinton against Villa but there are still some question marks on what happens with the back four. Based on last season Kieran Trippier would lead the team out while Fabian Schar and Sven Botman have their slots pretty much secure in the heart of defence.
READ MORE: Inside Newcastle United's summer transfer strategy as Eddie Howe eyes three more
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At left-back, Dan Burn and Matt Targett will start pre-season scrapping it out for the starting slot but Marc Cucurella and Kieran Tierney have been linked with Howe's team. Moving into the attack and it seems to be a case of who would hook up with Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson in the centre of attack.
With Miguel Almiron, Allan Saint-Maximin, Elliot Anderson and Jacob Murphy all fired with enthusiasm for the new campaign it really does make for an intriguing battle. Especially when you consider Newcastle could well add an another attacker to the squad.
A right-sided centre-back has also been linked so could we now just be three signings away from Howe's dream team? The next 48 days of trading will make for interesting viewing.
Nobby Solano lands role as head coach
Solano has been back in the UK since springtime now as he looked for his next role following a successful stint with the Peru national team and Peru Under-23 side. The Toon legend has now landed a role with Swedish Second Division side AFC Eskilstuna.
The former Leicester and West Ham star begins his new job straight away with AFC Eskilstuna sitting second bottom of the table. His first game is a home test against Brage. United supporters have already wished Solano all the best ahead of his latest challenge. As do all at Chronicle Live.
Newcastle clash with Rangers to be screened live on NUFC TV
United's clash at Ibrox on Tuesday will be broadcasted live on the club's website this week for a fee of £7.99. All 8,000 tickets were snapped up for the clash in Glasgow with the game being played as a testimonial for Allan McGregor.