The summer window does not open until July 1 and yet transfer silly season already appears to be in full swing.
Newcastle United have been linked with a host of players inside the past fortnight - with the latest name the most improbable of the lot.
Belgian publication Het Nieuwsblad has suggested that St James’ Park could be a potential summer destination for Napoli forward Dries Mertens.
In a piece which delves into what the future could have in store for the 29-year-old - his Napoli contract expires in 2018 - the Belgian newspaper claims that Mertens would have few potential suitors.
But, should Newcastle achieve promotion and retain Rafa Benitez’s services as manager, then it is suggested that the Spaniard may look to be reunited with the forward who he initially signed for Napoli.
Mertens, who has been capped 55 times by Belgium, has scored 24 goals in all competitions this terms - including 19 in Serie A.
Benitez will be looking to add quality to his squad this summer and Mertens would certainly fit that bracket.
However, whether Newcastle would have the funds to acquire Mertens, and whether the Magpies would realistically look to sign a 29-year-old remains to be seen.
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It appears unlikely too that Mertens would indeed trade Champions League football for a move to Newcastle, and it seems that Newcastle’s name was mentioned merely because of the Benitez link.
As we get closer to the summer though we will only see these types of rumours increase.