It's been quite a summer for Newcastle United.
Last season ended in a cloud of optimism as talk of a £300million takeover dominated back pages around Tyneside.
That deal, fronted by Amanda Staveley and the PIF promised to make the Magpies the richest club in the Premier League - meaning that they could start to push towards the upper echelons of the game.
Unfortunately that didn't happen and Newcastle were left to lick their wounds.
Mike Ashley was still determined to sell the club and so started the summer with an eye firmly on his wallet as he targeted free transfers in the shape of Mark Gillespie and Jeff Hendrick.
But with the club's rivals strengthening heavily the Sports Direct mogul knew that he'd have to put his hand in his pocket if the club were to avoid being embroiled in a relegation battle.
What followed was one of the most exciting 48-hour periods in recent memory for supporters.
A big-money deal for Callum Wilson was promptly followed up by the announcement of a major breakhthrough in the shape of a deal for free agent Ryan Fraser.
Like that wasn't enough the club then went on to announce the signing of Norwich City full-back Jamal Lewis.
Those deals certainly show that Newcastle mean business this season, but it seems that they're far from done.
Reports insist that the club are still looking out for a central defender, and according to renowned reporter Gianluca Di Marzio they're aiming high.
It's claimed that Newcastle United are interested in Daniele Rugani.
The Juventus defender has fallen out of favour in Turin and could be available for a move away from the club this summer.
Valued at £10.8million by Transfermarkt, the centre-back has played over 100 times for the Italian giants, but looks unlikely to add to that tally.
While the Magpies are keen on a move for the 26-year-old, it's claimed that they face significant competition from West Ham United for the Italy international.
GIVEMESPORT'S Phil Spencer says...
What a deal this would be for Newcastle United.
Steve Bruce is determined to bring in a central defender this summer and perhaps a move for Daniele Rugani could be one worth considering.
Funds are limited at St James' Park with Bruce admitting that the club may need to sell fringe players in order to raise the money needed.
But there's no doubt that a centre back would be a big signing.
Newcastle are still a little bit suspect defensively and that's the addition of an established player would be well received.
Whether the club can raise the funds needed to complete a deal remains to be seen, but surely it's an area that needs to be addressed.