Exclusive: Newcastle are looking to make midfield signing but ‘strange’ messages coming from St James’ Park

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Newcastle United are looking to sign a midfielder before the transfer window closes.

Time is running out for the Magpies, with less than one week to go before the window slams shut. It has been an extremely challenging month for Eddie Howe, whose squad does not look too different right now than it did at the start of the month.

The only differences are that Javi Manquillo has been sold and that Joelinton is now injured and potentially out for the rest of the season.

Joelinton’s absence has intensified the need for a midfielder to arrive this month, and that is what the club are targeting according to HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey. He has spoke to Geordie Boot Boys about what Newcastle United are looking to do before next Thursday’s deadline.

Newcastle looking for a ‘number eight’ signing right now

“They want a number eight, that’s what we’re hearing,” he said.

“Who that is – not sure. It’s a strange one. Different people are saying different things connected to the club so it’s hard to get a real message out.”

Unclear who Newcastle will go for

Stylistically, Newcastle are looking for a ‘number eight’ midfielder. That perhaps explains why they were unwilling to go for Kalvin Phillips, who would be more of a defensive presence in the middle of the park. Instead, he is signing for West Ham.

The Magpies want a player who can go both ways. They need someone who is box-to-box who can effectively fill the Joelinton void. That might even need to be a long-term addition, as there is speculation that the Brazilian could be sold this summer if he does not sign a contract extension.

One player who Newcastle are interested in that could fill that role is Amadou Onana. The Everton midfielder has been linked with a move to Tyneside, but is going to cost a huge amount of money. The Toffees value him at £60million. That is far too much for a Newcastle side that is currently hamstrung by the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.

But it appears that Newcastle are keeping their cards close to their chest as they head into the final week of the window. They will have multiple players on their radar, but who they prioritise remains to be seen.