It's been a nightmare summer for Newcastle United.
After finishing the Premier League season with a mid-table finish, the hope was for the club to take big steps towards improving next year.
A £300million takeover was expected to take place with Amanda Staveley's Saudi-backed consortium closing in on a deal to purchase the club.
But after withdrawing their interest last week it's back to the drawing board for the Toon Army.
For Steve Bruce the focus must now turn to getting his squad into shape for the new campaign.
As well as working with the current group of players, it will be essential for Newcastle to do some wheeling and dealing to strengthen this summer.
Funds could be at a premium and that means that the recruitment team will need to work hard to find players of the required quality to move the team forward.
That's why the latest link could be very appealing.
Reports from Chronicle Live claim that Newcastle have been offered the chance to sign Jeff Hendrick.
The midfielder left Burnley last month following the end of his contract at Turf Moor.
Plenty of clubs have been linked with a move for the Republic of Ireland international, with Manchester United, Aston Villa and AC Milan among those interested.
But with the 28-year-old now available on a free transfer, the Magpies are keen to pursue a deal.
Hendrick has a wealth of Premier League experienced having made 122 appearances for the Clarets in recent seasons.
His decision to leave Burnley was a huge blow for the club, with former club captain Frank Sinclair describing him as 'a terrific player' before his departure.
GIVEMESPORT'S Phil Spencer says...
This could be an outstanding move for Newcastle United.
Jeff Hendrick might not be a glamour signing in the ilk of Kylian Mbappe or Philippe Coutinho, but he would certainly improve them.
The Republic of Ireland man was a vital part of Burnley's success in recent years with his technical skills and work rate making him a real asset.
Given Newcastle's limitations in the middle of the park it's certainly a move that could make sense.
Hendrick is in his prime at the age of 28, and that means that he's a player who could come in and hit the ground running after signing.
Add into that the fact that he's available on a free transfer and you can see why this is a deal that could reap huge rewards for minimal risk.
With Matty Longstaff's future up in the air it's likely that Newcastle will need a new central midfielder and this could be the perfect deal to fill that hole.