Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce is clear to add to his squad while owner Mike Ashley seeks to sell the club.
The Evening Chronicle says Bruce has been given the nod to start a summer recruitment drive by Ashley - despite the owner's determination to sell the club to a Middle East Consortium.
Ashley's Competition Appeal Tribunal begins on Friday against the Premier League, but Bruce is still keen to have one or two additions in place in time for preseason.
Ideally, Bruce would like to bring in a midfielder, defender and a forward but knows a tricky summer may lie ahead.
Yet Bruce has the continued backing of Ashley as long as he is in charge.
Ashley stuck with Bruce during some tough times last season but was delighted to see the head coach guide the team away from the relegation scrap to 12th place.
