Premier League Clubs Sign 49 Players And Spend £180m... But Newcastle Yet To Buy

Newcastle United promised their supporters that "investment" would be made this transfer window - yet barely a month before the start of the 2015-16 season the Magpies have failed to recruit even one senior player. Although the Magpies hierarchy insist they are taking their time in order to ensure they sign the right calibre of players, Newcastle - along with Crystal Palace - are one of only two Premier League sides yet to recruit a player this summer. In fact, as of Tuesday July 7th, the other 18 Premier League clubs have signed 49 players between them at a combined cost of approximately £180 million.

Those 18 clubs have signed an average of close to three players each and have spent, on average, £10 million. The Magpies and Palace meanwhile have parted with £0 and brought in precisely nobody. Players such as Charlie Austin, Georginio Wijnaldum, Joel Matip, Bas Dost and Florian Thauvin are certainly on the Magpies' radar and bids have been launched for some of them - although they are yet to actually get any of them to sign on the dotted line. Elsewhere, the Magpies have supposedly "missed out" on the likes of Andre Ayew (who joined Swansea City on a free transfer) and Juanmi (who moved to Southampton for £5 million) - if they were ever interested in them in the first place, that is - while other Premier League sides continue to monitor Austin's situation and could pip Newcastle to his signature, with Leicester City already having had a £10 million bid rejected. The £29 million Liverpool parted with to bring Roberto Firmino to Anfield from Hoffenheim is the most spent by a Premier League side on a single player so far this summer, while Arsenal's £10 million capture of Petr Cech from champions Chelsea is arguably the most eye-catching deal - along with Manchester United's £25 million acquisition of Memphis Depay. Newcastle's hierarchy insist their patience will pay off and that they will recruit frontline players this summer, but only time will tell as to whether or not their frugality and stoicism will bring the desired results and appease a frustrated and discontented Toon faithful. Mike Ashley and Lee Charnley promised to back new head coach Steve McClaren to the hilt - but, as ever, action speaks louder than words and, unfortunately, there has been far too little in the way of movement in the transfer market from Newcastle as of yet. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.