The Magpies are on course for a top-four finish with a six-point gap to Spurs in fifth place

Former Newcastle United midfielder Kieron Dyer says the Magpies are in good hands in Dan Ashworth and Eddie Howe who will have transfer plans in place if they secure Champions League qualification this season. The Toon have been linked with just about every superstar on the planet since the takeover at St. James’ Park went through last season.

Kylian Mbappe is one of those the bookmakers have linked with the club, but everybody knows a signing of his calibre is way out of the Magpies league, at least for now anyway. The PSG superstar has been linked with a move away from the Ligue 1 champions, but very few clubs on the planet could afford his wages, let alone a transfer fee to prise him away from France.

Instead, Newcastle are expected to have a much more measured approach this summer, with three budgets already discussed depending on where they finish this season. The win over Tottenham Hotspur has given the Magpies a six-point lead over their top-four rivals, but there’s still a long way to go between now and the end of the season.

Howe and his side will deserve all the plaudits that come their way this season, regardless of where they finish. The new owners have been shrewd with their investment and the need to comply with Financial Fair Play means that’s unlikely to change anytime soon, even with Champions League football on Tyneside.

Dyer told Sky Sports: “What will be worth noting though, if they do get in the Champions League – we’re thinking of the Mbappe’s and people like that – Dan Ashworth and Eddie Howe have a method behind their transfer policy.

“They’re not going to do a Chelsea and sign every top player that’s available and then you’ve got an unbalanced squad. They have a plan.

“They have a plan for Champions League football, they have a plan is they miss out. They’re just on a steady rise and long may that continue.”