This time last year Newcastle United supporters were mulling over which superstar signings would be waltzing into St James' Park on the back of the Magpies' overachieving campaign. Fast forward to present day and the overwhelming feeling with regards to the summer window is one of fear as the club attempt to drag themselves over the line by reaching either of UEFA's minor European competitions.

Attention, naturally, has turned to whether it could be Alexander Isak or Bruno Guimaraes to depart for one of many Champions League suitors who have been sniffing around, should Newcastle fail to make Europe this term. Thankfully, both key men have helped calm tensions in recent days, each taking the opportunity to reject speculation and pledge his loyalty to Newcastle, starting with Isak after the 1-1 draw with Everton.

"I don't want to entertain these type of questions and rumours. It's not my position," the Swede told reporters. "I love playing, we have important games, there's no focus there [on my future], I just want to do good for the team."

Bruno followed suit following his 100th appearance for Newcastle on Saturday, saying: "I hope to stay much longer. I don't know what the future brings let's see, but I hope to play much more for Newcastle United."

Two positive statements but of course these words are just that. Words. Should Newcastle stumble in the final seven days, miss out on even the Europa Conference League and suddenly the 'project' seems less appealing than it has in recent seasons. With Real Madrid, Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham and PSG just some of the major clubs linked with either player, rejecting their advances in the summer may prove easier said than done.

But for now, it is pleasing for the Geordie faithful to see their two star men publicly backing the project, the manager and not adding fuel to the fire before the summer. At this stage of the season, this is the best Newcastle supporters can hope for before the transfer madness starts.

After recent results and Newcastle's renewed hope of ending the season on a high, it is good to see both Bruno and Isak in sync with Howe, who has also expressed a real desire to make sure they stay put.

"I want Alex to keep scoring goals and I want him to keep being in the headlines. I'm sure he wants the same thing. We want to keep him long term," Howe said on Friday. "Players like Bruno are not around every corner. They are very rare. Bruno should be appreciated for everything he brings. My intention would be to keep Bruno at the club for as long as we possibly can."

A lot of Newcastle's outgoing business will rely on what they can do in terms of incomings. With Premier League profit and sustainability rules (PSR) set to be scrapped, the purse strings may be loosened when new top flight regulations are put in place.

Newcastle could do with UEFA-style rules being introduced, given their increased revenue streams in recent seasons. Otherwise, the proposed 'luxury tax' system could see the Magpies take a fine for overspending, rather than a points deduction.