What Pete Graves is hearing about Newcastle United doing any late transfer business

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Newcastle United fans would love a late flurry of transfer activity at St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe is desperate for reinforcements, with Newcastle United struggling to strengthen their squad during the summer transfer window.

It has been a similar story in January, with the Magpies yet to make any signings. That is despite needing a centre-back and a winger.

They have tried, however. Newcastle came close to signing Abdukodir Khusanov, but were unable to finalise a deal due to PSR. Elsewhere, Newcastle wanted to sign Juma Bah. However, like Khusanov, he has joined Manchester City.

With Miguel Almiron set to leave, Newcastle are going to receive a PSR boost. There are also more players who could leave Newcastle before the window closes on Monday night.

Newcastle United wait for ‘opportunity’ despite January transfer window reality

However, it remains unlikely that Eddie Howe will be freshening up his squad over the next few days.

That is according to Sky Sports presenter and Newcastle United fan Pete Graves, who has spoken about the Magpies’ transfer situation on the latest episode of the Transfer Talk podcast.

“Whether we see any movement from Newcastle… its not hearing anything at the moment that there’s going to be anything,” he said.

“They’ve got loan potentials, but I don’t think Eddie Howe is the type to just bring in players for the sake of it.

“We will see if an opportunity presents itself in the dying days of the window.”

Newcastle United hope to benefit from taking huge risk

It seems crazy to think that Newcastle United are going into the second half of the season with Jacob Murphy as their only right winger. But not just any season – a season in which Newcastle are challenging for silverware and a place in next season’s Champions League.

In the short-term, Newcastle need to sign someone. Eddie Howe needs another body.

But that is not the long-term strategy that he operates within, while Paul Mitchell will also take a long-term view towards Newcastle’s recruitment.

Any mistakes the Magpies make now will cost them down the line, at a time when PSR really is their master.

It is a massive risk, but not spending in January will put Newcastle in a better position come the summer. Unless the perfect deal presents itself between now and Monday’s deadline, it is extremely unlikely that Newcastle United will be active in the market.