The £30m transfer hijack Newcastle United must go all-out to spring on Man Utd in January

The business conducted by Newcastle United during the summer transfer window has provoked much debate.

Have the Magpies left themselves short-handed at the top end of the pitch after making Sheffield United youngster William Osula their only attacking addition of the close-season? Once he returns to full fitness, will Callum Wilson be able to remain fit and provide support and an alternative to last season’s top goalscorer Alexander Isak? What was the thinking behind the painstakingly prolonged attempts to land Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi? And why did the Magpies hierarchy not identify alternative targets to the England centre-back when it became all too evident their Premier League rivals were not willing to authorise a move as the final days of the window arrived?

That is not to suggest Newcastle did not conduct some good business during the window. The free transfer signing of Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly already looks a shrewd addition and his versatility has already been put to good use during the opening weeks of the new season. A long-term approach has been taken towards the Osula signing and there is a feeling he will be viewed as a project for Howe to coax improvement from throughout his time at St James Park. Perhaps the most eye-catching addition came with the permanent move for Lewis Hall after the Chelsea youngster spent last season on loan at St James Park. It was by far an easy season for the England Under-21 star as he took time to adapt to Howe’s methods - but he showed real signs of promise towards the end of the campaign.

Hall, as it stands, remains a source of great promise and at 19, he has more than enough time on his side as he looks to establish himself in the Magpies side. Yet there is still a feeling the former Chelsea prospect has plenty of work to do and there are some improvements to be made to his game. There is competition at left-back, with fellow summer signing Kelly more than capable of playing on the left-hand side of Howe’s defence and Matt Targett still remains at St James Park, despite being linked with a move away during the summer transfer window. Dan Burn, although primarily used at centre-back this season, has spent the majority of his time at St James Park playing at left-back.

Although it would not be one of Newcastle’s main priorities during the January transfer window, providing a more established alternative at left-back could be worth considering as the Magpies look to cover all bases and challenge for a return to European competition after missing out last season. One player that has been considered by the St James Park hierarchy in recent seasons is Fulham star Antonee Robinson and recent links with Premier League rivals Manchester United may well have peaked interest from the Magpies. It is not so long ago that the 46-times capped United States international was the subject of serious interest from AC Milan and only a heart rhythm irregularity that showed up during his medical prevented the attack-minded left-back from joining the Serie A giants.

The 27-year-old has shown serious improvements in all aspects of his game during his time at Craven Cottage - with current manager Marco Silva adding to Robinson’s game at both ends of the pitch. His athleticism and searing pace have enabled the former Wigan Athletic star to become effective in defensive positions and he is able to set the tone from left-back when it comes to joining in with attacking actions. Although three goals and 14 assists in 154 appearances for the Cottagers seems a quite modest output, there have been signs Robinson has gradually improved his goal contributions throughout his time with Fulham and that has reportedly attracted attention from Old Trafford.

A fee of £30m was suggested in the media over the weekend - and although that may seem a little out of Newcastle’s reach given their focus elsewhere, adding Robinson to Eddie Howe’s squad may prove to be a shrewd addition.