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Newcastle United have made two eight-figure signings – and are about to make a third, Chancel Mbemba from Anderlecht.

But where are they going next? Here we attempt to answer the big questions about United’s ongoing recruitment drive.

ARE NEWCASTLE FINISHED IN THE MARKET?

Not even close. Ideally they want another three after Mbemba signs, and one of them could be another big-money arrival for eight figures.

United also want players for the development squad, and remain interested in Ivan Toney of Northampton – although he could be loaned straight back to Northampton or another club. Dani Koks, on trial with the club, scored for the under-21s on Tuesday.

The priority after Mbemba signs? Surely another centre-back. Newcastle are fully aware of the problems they have in the heart of defence – and it didn’t take leaking four goals on a plastic pitch with Shane Ferguson playing through the middle to bring that home.

WHERE ARE NEWCASTLE GOING NEXT?

As we reported earlier this week, Florian Thauvin is an option and Newcastle want a midfielder and another striker too. But centre-back is a position where United are crying out for reinforcements – and suggestions are that’s where they’ll go next.

SO, WHO ARE THE DEFENDER OPTIONS?

The deal to snatch Mbemba from Anderlecht – who also had interest from Borussia Monchengladbach and Atletico Madrid – is virtually done and dusted. Expect him in the North East on Thursday for a medical, with a deal possibly confirmed by then too.

But United want another centre-back. Joel Matip of Schalke, Nicolas N’Kolou of Marseille and Aymen Abdennour of Monaco have all been mentioned but noises from St James’ Park are that there may be another big defender target who has slipped off the radar so far.

United have had plenty of centre-backs put to them recently. They were offered Hull’s Michael Dawson, and have watched Lewis Dunk of Brighton in the past but a whisper is that the next centre-back could come from the Bundesliga.

(Image: Chris Wilson)

COULD ANY PLAYERS LEAVE?

There hasn’t been much interest in the players you’d normally think would be vulnerable. Steven Taylor and Fabricio Coloccini have one year left on their deals so Newcastle would obviously sell if the right offer came in for them. Papiss Cisse is also vulnerable.

A personal opinion is that Newcastle need to build a squad and not just an XI but there is a business case to sell big earners if they’re in their final year. Coloccini IS wanted by Crystal Palace.

Others who are available? Mike Williamson, Yoan Gouffran and Manu Riviere might be in the firing line. Remy Cabella has been linked with a move to Marseille – although Steve McClaren is keen to see him play and judge for himself, apparently.

WHAT IS THE TIMEFRAME FOR THE NEXT DEAL?

Mbemba will sign either on Thursday or Friday and then after that, United are back to spinning a few plates. It might be into the back end of next week before Newcastle do anything else – and they might not have finished their trading until well into August, by which time the games will be coming thick and fast.

Charlie Austin remains a big target and is understood to be keen to link up with McClaren again. He enjoyed working with him and Steve Black, a key member of McClaren’s backroom staff at St James’ Park, when the pair were at QPR.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Take our poll and tell us which position Newcastle should be looking at after Mbemba.