However, an under-the-radar signing from last year could come to the fore over the coming campaign.
United supporters in Japan got an exciting glimpse of 'talented' 17-year-old Trevan Sanusi late in Wednesday's convincing 4-1 win over Urawa Red Diamonds in Saitama.
Sanusi, who signed for Newcastle from Birmingham last season, is 17 and a versatile forward
He had been tipped to beat Jude Bellingham's record and become Birmingham's youngest player before he joined Newcastle aged 16.
The versatile forward - who can play across the front line - is quick and direct, and he caught the eye playing for United's Under-21 team last season.
Sanusi replaced Harvey Barnes against Urawa in the 79th minute, and the forward made an 'impression' on Howe as he ran at the team's J League opposition as Newcastle pushed for a fifth goal.
'He's definitely got a talent,' said Howe, who also fielded Sanusi off the bench in the club's 2-0 win over Hull City last weekend.
Sanusi - who turned professional this summer - could also feature against Yokohama F Marinos in Tokyo tomorrow before the squad returns to Tyneside for the next stage of their pre-season campaign.
'He's very clever with the ball,' said Howe. 'He's got lots of tricks in his bag that he can pull out from time to time.
'I'm excited by him. I think he's got the basics of a really good framework to build from. He's going to be up to us and for him to develop those skills and talents.'
Howe pitched 17-year-old Lewis Miley in last season, and the midfielder starred for the club at home and abroad.
Sanusi, an England Under-17 international, has work to do to prepare himself for the physicality of Premier League football if he is to follow in Miley's footsteps, according to Howe.
'Certainly, the Premier League's a totally different beast physically, and I think that's something he's going to have to continue to work on,' said Howe.
Sanusi missed out on a place in the England Under-17 squad for this summer's European Championship finals in Cyprus because of an injury.
Meanwhile, Osula is due on Tyneside for a medical ahead of his proposed move to the club.