NEWCASTLE UNITED

Title Odds 750/1

In Martin Dubravka (Sparta Prague, £3.6m), Ki Sung-yueng (Swansea, free), Kenedy (Chelsea, loan), Fabian Schar (Deportivo, £3.6m), Yoshinori Muto (Mainz, £9.5m), Salomon Rondon (West Brom, loan), Federico Fernandez (Swansea, £6m)

Out Massadio Haidara (Lens, free), Stuart Findlay (Kilmarnock, free), Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad, £10.8m), Chancel Mbemba (Porto, £7.2m), Matz Sels (Strasbourg, undisc), Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham, £22m), Dwight Gayle (West Brom, loan) Net spend -£21m What’s new? Precious little. Newcastle are in the green after another quiet summer window that risks alienating manager Rafael Benitez, who has been told he must sell in order to buy by owner Mike Ashley.

Most exciting signing

Martin Dubravka spent the second half of last season on loan at St James’ Park, but his arrival on a permanent basis is a real boost. The Slovakian goalkeeper was outstanding as Newcastle secured their Premier League status.

How will they play?

Benitez will continue to employ a safety-first approach, with a 4-2-3-1 formation that can quickly become two deep-lying banks of four when Newcastle defend. Scoring goals will be their problem, unless Salomon Rondon hits the ground running after his move from West Brom.

Who has it all to prove?

All eyes will be on Jonjo Shelvey (below) to see if he can reproduce last season’s form and show the consistency and reliability that has too often eluded him. Maybe, just maybe, there is the chance of England recognition.

Who will be player of the year?

Coaches tend to bemoan the modern game’s lack of defensive leaders and organisers, but Newcastle have one in Jamaal Lascelles. Fabian Schar is an astute acquisition with top-level European experience, and their partnership could be Newcastle’s best feature.

Manager’s survival rating

Benitez holds all of the cards: Newcastle need him more than he needs them. The fans are steadfastly supportive of him, and will be hoping Ashley sells up before their biggest asset walks. There may be trouble ahead. 4/10

If they were a World Cup side they would be …

Peru. Take a lot of fans everywhere but the trophy cabinet is still resolutely bare.