Nevertheless, head coach Eddie Howe has strengthened his squad with the £55m signing of winger Anthony Elanga and £34.6m arrival of defender Malick Thiaw, while goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has joined on loan from Southampton.

Newcastle emerged as the 24-year-old's preferred destination despite interest from other clubs such as West Ham United.

Ramsey, like Thiaw, is a player Newcastle have admired for some time and you sense that the midfielder has all the ingredients - the age, the athleticism and the desire - to go to another level at St James' Park.