But Hughton is well aware his squad will need strengthening for a Premier League campaign which threatens to expose the weaknesses in his squad in a way the Championship could not. The loan market may provide some relief but he is also looking for permanent deals.
The biggest area of concern is the full-back positions. In all other areas of the field Hughton can call on depth, albeit the quality may need raising for top-flight football.
At full-back Hughton can only call on Danny Simpson – who will miss the start of the campaign as he recovers from a tendon operation, José Enrique and the versatile Ryan Taylor. Taylor believes his best position is right-back but has more often been used in midfield.
Centre-backs Steven Taylor and Tamas Kadar can also fill in, while Jonás Gutiérrez could yet return a World Cup-winning right-back having been used there by Argentina.
But Hughton would much prefer the 26-year-old to stick to the job he feels he does best, as a left winger.
Former Aston Villa product Samuel has played Premier Leaguer football in all the defensive positions, and in midfield, though it is at left-back where Bolton and Villa have used him most regularly.
Samuel has dropped out of the first-team picture at the Reebok Stadium, having played just once in the league since Owen Coyle’s appointment as manager in January.
The Trinidad-born player has one year left on his contract, which could be why Newcastle suspect they can land him at a cut-price.
It seems unlikely the Trotters will refuse to do business for a player who can leave for free next year.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have confirmed they will play Deportivo La Coruña on August 3 at 9pm local time at the Riazor Stadium.
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