Despite the summer transfer window only recently closing, Newcastle United continue to be linked with a number of players.
Indeed, such is the attention paid to Newcastle these days, they are constantly touted as a landing spot for a number of talented players, no matter the month.
One of those has recently re-emerged in the form of Southampton’s Carlos Alcaraz.
The 20-year-old was reportedly of interest in the summer and more recent suggestions emerged over the weekend, claiming Newcastle had taken note of his lack of action ahead of a potential January swoop.
Now, Saints boss Russell Martin has provided an update.
Russell Martin addresses Carlos Alcaraz future at Southampton
Speaking after his Saints side were beaten by Middlesbrough on Saturday, Martin addressed Alcaraz’s lack of action.
Despite impressing during his brief stint in the Premier League, the Argentine has been limited to only three starts in the second tier this season.
Those at Newcastle are said to have taken note and Martin has since spoken.
“Charlie’s a young man, he doesn’t speak the language very well if at all and we’re asking him to play in a team with a lot of structure,” he said (via BBC Radio Solent).
“There’s things he knows he has to do better. I will get criticised for not bringing him on but its about who you trust at this moment in time.
“You’re either all in with the team or you’re not. At the minute, Charlie needs to come to that side, really. It’s been a difficult time for him, he’s lost Willy [Caballero], he’s lost Lyanco, his two best mates in the group.
“He’s a young man, he’s miles away from his home, he’s had some difficult news about his dad. So all that going on, people don’t see and they don’t understand.
“We’ll help him through and at some point he’ll be on a pitch for us and he’ll be fantastic.”
Newcastle should test the waters in January
Given they were interested in the summer and that has since reportedly continued, it seems safe to assume Newcastle hold a reasonably long-standing interest in the player.
At 20 and having already shown flashes in the Premier League, it’s a potential move with a lot of upsides. An attacking midfielder capable of scoring goals in a poor team last season, the notion of developing under Eddie Howe is exciting.
From Martin’s comments, all is not well behind the scenes. If there’s a chance he could look to leave, a January move may be wise.
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