Newcastle United and transfers have not been the happiest of partners of late. Indeed, Alan Shearer delivered a rather scathing assessment of Newcastle’s business during the summer transfer window just gone, claiming those above manager Eddie Howe had “failed” him for not significantly strengthening the squad. There have been reports of discontent between the Newcastle United manager and sporting director Paul Mitchell, so it would be difficult to definitively claim that it’s a case of happy families behind the scenes at St James’ Park right now. Still, plans will need to be in place ahead of …