The January transfer window is upon us, and Newcastle United are known to be in the market for a new midfielder. So, here are ten of the best targets they’re looking at.
With the injury issues plaguing Newcastle United right now, it’s not surprising that Eddie Howe wants a couple of new players adding to his squad.
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We’re led to believe that PIF may even spend up to £100m and sanction a third new signing in the new year. Regardless, a new midfielder is one of the top priorities for the Magpies.
Over the last few months we’ve been keeping a close eye on all the main targets Newcastle have been linked with, so let’s take a look at them all and where Howe and co. stand ahead of January.
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Newcastle United’s midfield targets
Kees Smit
For a long time, Kees Smit has been named Newcastle’s number one target for January. The AZ Alkmaar midfielder is one of the hottest prospects in Europe right now and could cost up to £53m.
It has been a real back-and-forth saga this one. Chelsea have been linked as well, the player sounded keen at first, but it’s now expected Smit will stay in the Netherlands until the summer, at least.
Conor Gallagher
Despite a strong start to life in Spain, Conor Gallagher is now thought to be unhappy with his lack of game time at Atletico Madrid. Newcastle had been linked with a loan move for the former Chelsea man, but it’s now said Atletico don’t want Gallagher to go yet.
Elliot Anderson
It’s safe to say Newcastle regret selling Elliot Anderson. While talks of a return to St. James’ Park have been lingering for the past few months, it now sounds like Man City lead the race for Anderson with an £80m deal mooted.
Ederson
If Joelinton moves on to Saudi Arabia in the coming months, Newcastle will need a combative midfielder to take his place, and Ederson fits the bill perfectly.
The Magpies have been linked with the Atalanta star for more than a year now, and Ederson’s recent price drop could well appeal to Newcastle if they are looking to sign more than one player this winter. It’s said he could now leave for as little as £26m.
James Garner
We’ve not heard much about this one for a while, but Newcastle were briefly linked with James Garner. The Everton ace has shown his versatility this season by playing at right-back, which would be a massive bonus for Howe.
With not long left on his current contract, it’s believed Garner could be available for just £20m. Given his experience at this level and flexibility, he could be a great budget option.
Alex Toth
An even cheaper option is Alex Toth, who has been targeted by Newcastle, along with a whole host of top European sides. The Hungarian starlet would cost around £13m, which would be a big deal for his current club, Ferencvaros, but could be an absolute steal in the long-term for whoever wins the race for the attacking midfielder.
Kevin Danois
Around the time of the Kees Smit deal looking like a no-go, Newcastle seemingly turned their attention to Frenchman Kevin Danois. Bournemouth have previously shown an interest in the Auxerre star, and we know they had a £9.6m bid rejected in the summer, so it’ll take a reasonably bigger offer to snare Danois away from Ligue 1.
Jorge Carrascal
Another lesser-known target for Newcastle is Jorge Carrascal. He’s also a bit older than most of the other names on this list, but the 27-year-old Colombian would bring a great pedigree and flair. He’s currently playing for Flamengo in Brazil and would cost over £16m, but Marseille are also looking to make a move.
Luciano Valente
Clearly, Newcastle are watching the Eredivisie closely. As well as Kees Smit, the Magpies have also been linked with Luciano Valente, who is making waves at Feyenoord. The 22-year-old is a very similar player to Smit, and would not cost as much. But, the problem is, it’s believed his current club will look to get him tied to a new contract soon.
Newcastle United should go all out for Scott McTominay
For me, the number one target for Newcastle should be Scott McTominay. He knows the Premier League inside out, has developed into a top class midfielder since moving to Italy, and now has a real winning mentality.
Reports recently claimed McTominay would cost around £50m and it’s also believed he would be open to the switch, too.
Eddie Howe wanted McTominay before his switch to Napoli, and definitely should look at going back in for the Scottish star. Not only is he probably the best, most accomplished player on this list, he also offers all the attributes Newcastle need: he’s combative and passionate, physical, athletic, and poses a goal threat.
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