Ashley’s art of good business can pay dividends for Newcastle

Centre forward Emmanuel Riviere could turn out to be a smart signing, if he can discover his scoring touch. Having jetted in from Monaco for £6m, Pardew is encouraged by the potential the striker has, with the club short in this department last term.

“This is an important signing because the striking area is one we really had to improve,” said Pardew. “We have looked at Emmanuel for a while and we know he will score goals for us.”

Riviere scored 17 goals in 50 matches for Monaco, and also plied his trade with Newcastle’s Moussa Sissoko at Toulouse.

“I’m very happy to be here at Newcastle,” Riviere said. “When the club spoke to me I said yes immediately. It was an easy decision because Newcastle is a big club with great fans and a good stadium.”

The northeast club struggled for goals at times last season, with loan signing Loic Remy and Papiss Cisse both inconsistent. Riviere has a shade of Olivier Giroud about him, and could be one that flourishes in his second season, although the physical side of the player’s game should suit the rigours of the Premier League.

Newcastle have always had iconic strikers, and never historically had a problem in that department. Looking down through they years, Jackie Milburn, Peter Beardsley, record goalscorer Alan Shearer, Faustino Asprilla, and even Patrick Kluivert have all performed for the Magpies.

One new signing that could make a name for himself is 21-year-old Spanish striker Ayoze Perez, who was snapped up from Tenerife for a fee in the region of £1.5m. He scored 16 goals in 34 appearances last term, and could turn out to be bargain buy of the season.

Perez seems to have everything; technique on the ball, pace, strength, awareness, a range of passing, vision, and a very, very good eye for goal. His signature also gives Pardew options. Combining with Riviere in attack could give the Magpies a lethal partnership, if both players can form an understanding with each other.

Jack Colback’s switch from neighbours Sunderland on a free transfer could turn out to be a useful capture, and gives the squad depth in midfield, as well as Premier League experience.

The last time Newcastle appeared in an FA Cup final was 15 years ago, losing 2-0 to Manchester United. To win the iconic competition next season, they are 33/1. First, new signings need to gel.