It is proving to be a difficult January transfer window for Newcastle United, despite the Magpies clearly needing reinforcements.
The Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules appear to be massively hindering Newcastle, which has led to speculation that a major player like Bruno Guimaraes may need to be sold.
It comes at a time when Newcastle’s season is in limbo. It has been an extremely challenging winter that has seen Eddie Howe‘s side slide down the league table and suffer elimination from the Champions League and the Carabao Cup.
While there has barely been any transfer activity at St James’ Park this month, there has been plenty for fans to discuss.
Geordie Boot Boys spoke exclusively to HITC Football transfer insider Graeme Bailey, to get the lowdown on what is happening at Newcastle, and what isn’t happening.
Kalvin Phillips to Newcastle is a game of brinksmanship
Newcastle have been heavily linked with signing Kalvin Phillips on loan from Manchester City, and we asked where the deal currently stands.
“It’s one big game of brinkmanship really, is my understanding. Newcastle like him. The player wants to come. Earlier in the window, City had Newcastle over a barrel. They know how much Newcastle want him. He’s the ideal person to come in – he’s northern based and a player who Eddie Howe liked before. It’s not a speculative punt. It’s going to go to the last week.
“I understand they’re demanding £5million with most of his wages covered. City didn’t think it would be that big a deal for Newcastle, as they thought Newcastle would see Phillips as a long-term signing.
“The player isn’t massively agitating, but from what I’m told Newcastle would be his preference.
“I don’t think they necessarily don’t see him as a long-term signing. I think they do see him as a potentially long-term signing, but they don’t want to commit more money. They’ve already got £28million committed to Lewis Hall. To get Phillips, it would be at least another £40million. So that’s nearly £70million from your summer budget.
“The player isn’t massively agitating for the move, which is sensible and I think that’s one thing that does appeal to Newcastle about Phillips. He’s an Eddie Howe type player. He’s thoroughly professional player. He’s a lovely lad. He would slot into any dressing room, not just Newcastle’s. But I think he would slot in at Newcastle very well and that’s one thing that Newcastle really like about Kalvin Phillips. He’s not a troublemaker, nor will he disturb the peace.
“I think if Newcastle let this slip through their fingers it will be a huge mistake.”
Newcastle rate Atalanta star Ederson
We asked about rumours of Newcastle taking a look at Atalanta midfielder Ederson as a possible midfield option.
“He’s a player they’ve looked at before. He’s a player they rate, but it’s someone who his agent is probably pushing out.
“Atalanta are not in any mood to let him go right now. If Newcastle did want Ederson right now, they’d have to pay a premium for him. Newcastle would have to bid over the top for him, and we know they’re not going to do that.”
Magpies want an attacking midfielder in the future
We were told that Newcastle will aim to sign an attacking midfielder in the near future, having looked at James Maddison last summer.
“They’d love to sign a number 10 at some point in the future. They haven’t got someone of that Lucas Paqueta-ilk that can unlock a defence.
“I think they are looking at that for the future, but there’s a bit of work to do with this squad. There’s a lot of hangers-on.
“Obviously they went for Tonali instead of someone like Maddison. Newcastle were in for Maddison, they liked him but chose Tonali as a priority. It just wasn’t a top priority for them to sign an attacking midfielder.”
Bruno Guimaraes’ future
We asked about Bruno Guimaraes possibly looking to leave the club amid rumours about his future on Tyneside.
“I don’t for one minute think he isn’t loyal to Newcastle, but that loyalty has to go both ways. He came to Newcastle when they were in the relegation zone and has done his stint in getting them to the Champions League.
“If Bruno did look for a move, I don’t think it’s a matter of loyalty, it’s just thinking about his career. He knows he’s regarded as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
“It’s a huge six months ahead for Newcastle on the field, and that will determine what happens off it.”
PIF loophole is there for Newcastle
We asked about Newcastle possibly signing players from the Saudi Pro League, after Premier League clubs voted in favour of it when there was speculation that Ruben Neves could head to the North East.
“That market is open to Newcastle. PIF are more than happy for them to go down that avenue. It’s a complicated one with the Premier League, but if I was Newcastle I’d be bring in players from the Saudi Pro League. I think Newcastle are being too polite about it.”
More than one January signing is a possibility for Newcastle
We asked about the prospect of Newcastle signing more than one player during the January transfer window.
“I’m told there might be some wiggle room for Newcastle to do something, but what do they need? It depends what’s available. I don’t think they’re going to go out and spend £30-40million on someone. I don’t think that person is available.
“I think there will be one signing, but I wouldn’t be flabbergasted if they suddenly found money under the doormat – here’s another £30million – and something came up.”
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