Eddie Howe discovers official transfer decision after Newcastle United were left fuming

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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is enduring a frustrating January transfer window.

The Magpies have entered the final week of the window without making any signings. In fact, their squad is set to get weaker as Miguel Almiron prepares to leave.

But he is unlikely to be replaced. Newcastle do not expect to sign anyone, as PSR issues persist.

While the overriding message has been that there will be no signings, there have at least been attempts by Paul Mitchell and co to strengthen Eddie Howe’s squad – particularly at centre-back.

Newcastle nearly signed Abdukodir Khusanov, while there was also interest in Juma Bah. In fact, Newcastle thought they were favourites to sign Bah.

Juma Bah transfer decision is made

However, their confidence was misplaced, and an official decision about the 18-year-old defender’s future has now been announced.

Manchester City have confirmed that they have signed Bah, with Pep Guardiola’s side immediately loaning him out to RC Lens.

That is an interesting move, as the French club have needed a centre-back after selling Khusanov to the Premier League champions.

Newcastle United are struggling to sign a centre-back

Geordie Boot Boys were told last week that Newcastle officials were ‘fuming’ about missing out on Bah, having felt they were in a prime position to land the talented centre-back.

However, his long-term future will be at Manchester City.

That means that the Magpies have now missed out on three centre-backs to Pep Guardiola’s side this month. As well as Bah and Khusanov, Newcastle had also done groundwork on Vitor Reis. He is a 19-year-old defender who has just joined Man City from Palmeiras.

It is pretty devastating to miss out on three players who play in the same position to the same club. But that is the reality that Newcastle United face, as they continue to struggle in their search for a centre-back.

They are identifying plenty of targets, but struggling to get a deal over the line. That was also the case with Marc Guehi last summer.

After missing out on multiple deals, it feels likely that Newcastle will now turn their attention towards the summer. It has been claimed that Newcastle like Illia Zabarnyi, but the Bournemouth player will surely be difficult to acquire as well.