We are now a week into the January transfer window and still no signings for Newcastle United, but there are plenty of rumours to get stuck into.
So far, the only confirmed Newcastle deal has been the loan of Antonio Cordero to Cadiz. There’s actually a very real possibility that the Magpies sign no one this month.
Do Newcastle United need to sign a ‘number 10’ in January?
Imagine having a maverick like HBA or Ginola again! 😍
That would be disappointing, especially as there are clear gaps in the squad that Eddie Howe needs to fill. Ideally, we need to see a couple of defenders arrive, and a new midfielder is also on the list for Newcastle.
With that in mind, there are some exciting names being linked with a move to Tyneside, and we’ve got the lowdown on the latest reported targets.
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Joe Willock out, Kees Smit in?
Those rumours about Kees Smit just won’t go away. Although recent reports suggest Smit would be too expensive for Newcastle, he is still very much on their radar.
Now, the latest on the matter is that Newcastle will only move for Smit if they sell Joe Willock. The chances of that happening, though, are slim.
Willock has been linked with Leeds and Crystal Palace, but the Magpies are reluctant to let him go.
Newcastle eye another Toulouse player
One of the names to emerge recently in the defensive area for the Magpies is Dayann Methalie. It’s thought Newcastle will bid for Methalie in January, despite the young defender being injured.
However, Newcastle are also linked with Charlie Cresswell, his teammate at Toulouse. It’s said Cresswell could be available for around £21m.
The former Leeds defender has made a big impact in France and is highly coveted by a number of Premier League clubs. Interestingly, he snubbed Sunderland in the summer, too.
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How much money would a club need to bid for you to consider selling Joe Willock in January?
Newcastle tipped to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen
Another name that just won’t quit when it comes to Newcastle links is Jorgen Strand Larsen. The Wolves forward has had a terrible season, but is still attracting interest from other clubs in the top flight.
The latest report suggests Wolves could sell Strand Larsen for £40m and Newcastle are mooted as one of the main candidates vying for his signature.
Newcastle will need another striker if they sell Will Osula, but there are doubts over Strand Larsen’s abilities. Another option could be Callum Wilson, who was released by West Ham on Tuesday by mutual termination of his contract.
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Any fans hoping for a big signing may be disappointed, as Eddie Howe insists Newcastle won’t sign a ‘maverick’ type of player. While many would love to see another playmaker join the Toon Army, Howe said that kind of star would not fit into his team and he is not expecting any significant additions to the squad this month.
Newcastle target Oscar Mingueza is also wanted by Aston Villa. West Ham are also keen, as well as a number of clubs across Europe, and a cut-price deal can be done this month as his contract at Celta Vigo is expiring.
Meanwhile, another loan spell has ended, with Newcastle youngster Joe White’s spell at Leyton Orient being cut short. It sounds like the League One club made the decision, and Ross Wilson will now need to find White a new home.
Finally, Mateus Mane has appeared on Newcastle’s radar. The Wolves starlet has broken into the team at Molineux of late, but could be snapped up by the Magpies.
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