Fabrizio Romano now shares what Newcastle are currently planning for January transfer window

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Newcastle had a productive summer transfer window, bringing in some extra quality after securing their return to the Champions League.

Eddie Howe strengthened his squad with Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall, Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes coming in for a big outlay, and is seemingly happy with his squad.

An injury crisis has tested the depth of the squad, but Newcastle have navigated the last few weeks superbly, and are in a strong position domestically and in Europe.

Newcastle’s January transfer plans

Newcastle are one of a number of clubs to have been linked with a move for out-of-favour Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips in recent days but there is currently no indication that Howe will make a move for him in January.

In his Daily Briefing, Fabrizio Romano revealed that there is currently no contact between Newcastle and Man City for the 27-year-old, and that Newcastle will only decide on their transfer plans based on how the rest of the Champions League group stage pans out.

“Despite links with Newcastle and Everton, I’m not aware of concrete talks on this one,” Romano stated of Kalvin Phillips.

“Phillips wanted to stay at City this summer despite some approaches, so he’s still focused on doing his best for City and then a decision will be made later, like November or December.

“Newcastle won’t decide anything on transfer targets before they know what happens in their Champions League group.”

Newcastle’s Champions League hopes

Newcastle have begun their first Champions League campaign in style. After avoiding defeat against AC Milan at the San Siro, they ripped French Champions Paris Saint-Germain to shreds at St James’ Park.

Romano’s comments perhaps indicate that if Newcastle make it out of the group, they will strengthen either the depth or the quality of the squad to be able to cope with the challenge of the knockout rounds.

If Newcastle collapse from here and are eliminated from the group stages, we may well see the club wait until the summer before focusing on incomings, but would be willing to strengthen immediately in January if they reach the knockouts and potentially face another tough European giant.