Newcastle United are expected to be busy in the January transfer window after keeping their wallet closed over the summer.
The Magpies were linked to several big-money moves over the summer but ended up making a transfer profit of £6m after failing to land any of their biggest targets.
It has piled pressure onto new sporting director Paul Mitchell to deliver when the January window rolls around, especially after his comments have put his role at threat.
Eddie Howe is doing a fantastic job despite not being backed with his top-choice targets in the summer, with Newcastle flying high in third in the Premier League table after an unbeaten start to the campaign.
| Position | Team | PlayedMP | WonW | DrawnD | LostL | ForGF | AgainstGA | DiffGD | PointsPts |
| 1 |  Man CityManchester City | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 3 | 8 | 12 |
| 2 |  ArsenalArsenal | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 10 |
| 3 |  NewcastleNewcastle | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 10 |
| 4 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 9 |
If Newcastle plan on keeping Howe away from the England job, it is essential that Newcastle are busy in the January transfer window. Thankfully, one potential target is open to a Premier League move.
Newcastle United interest in Kevin Zenon
Newcastle United have been in the market for a new winger but failed to get a deal over the line in the summer despite a last-gasp £50m bid for Anthony Elanga.
Another target who emerged is Boca Juniors winger Kevin Zenon. Newcastle’s interest dates back to February when club scouts flew out to watch Zenon in action.
Newcastle have stepped up their interest in Zenon after the close of the summer transfer window, and a fresh report from CaughtOffside suggests the 23-year-old is keen to move to England.
READ MORE: Who is Newcastle-linked Kevin Zenon? The Argentina star who caught the eye of Lionel Messi’s father
They state that Zenon is willing to move to the Premier League but will wait until all offers have been received before deciding on his future club.
It adds that Newcastle are facing competition from two Premier League rivals for the Argentine’s signature with Tottenham and Brighton also showing an interest.
Zenon is understood to have a £13m release clause in his Boca Juniors contract, making him a much cheaper alternative to Newcastle’s other wide targets.
Newcastle cannot afford to waste time in January
The biggest criticism of Newcastle’s summer business is that the club waited far too long before trying to land their top targets.
Deals for Guehi and Elanga went down to the final hours of deadline day and Newcastle cannot afford to wait that long in January.
If Zenon becomes the club’s first-choice winger target, then they will have to move quickly to beat the likes of Brighton and Tottenham to his signature.
Newcastle will have a budget of around £70m in January and it is essential that most of that is invested in Howe’s squad.
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