Newcastle United could be set to lose an experienced head, while other clubs muscle in on a few of their targets this month.
The Magpies are on an incredible winning run right now, and no doubt Eddie Howe and his players will be on cloud nine after defeating Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on Tuesday night.
However, with European qualification once again in their sights, Newcastle cannot afford to rest on their laurels, and the January transfer window could potentially make all the difference this season for the North East outfit.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 3 |  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest | 20 | 12 | 4 | 4 | 29 | 19 | 10 | 40 |
| 4 |  ChelseaChelsea | 20 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 39 | 24 | 15 | 36 |
| 5 |  NewcastleNewcastle | 20 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 34 | 22 | 12 | 35 |
| 6 |  Man CityManchester City | 20 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 36 | 27 | 9 | 34 |
We know there are players Newcastle could and should move on this month, while the club has targeted a number of new signings for the New Year, too.
So, here are all the latest rumours and links, with players potentially coming in, one about to leave, and two targets that Newcastle may lose the fight for.
- READ MORE: Here is exactly what is being said about Manchester City star James McAtee joining Newcastle United
Newcastle’s interest in Richarlison may have some ‘substance’
While Alexander Isak is in frighteningly good form right now, Newcastle do need reinforcements in the forward area, and a surprise move for Richarlison could actually have legs.
Ben Jacobs claims the Magpies’ potential move for the Spurs man may have some “substance” to it, with a loan and obligation to buy of around £40m being mooted.
However, there are some concerns among the fanbase that this kind of transfer would be contrary to Newcastle’s supposed policy when it comes to signing younger talent and staying on the right side of PSR.
Crystal Palace may swoop for Newcastle target Romaine Esse
Some bad news for Newcastle now, as one of their targets, Romaine Esse, has been picked out as a top priority for Crystal Palace this month.
Palace have made an official approach for Esse, according to Fabrizio Romano, however, it is thought the deal would be a tricky one to get over the line due to Millwall’s reluctance to let him go.
Newcastle have been scouting the versatile young winger, but Nottingham Forest and Monaco have also been keeping tabs on Esse
Martin Dubravka waves goodbye to Newcastle fans
He may have kept a clean sheet in that brilliant Carabao Cup win this week, but Martin Dubravka may well be nearing the end of his Newcastle career now.
Dubravka was seen waving to the Newcastle fans after the final whistle at the Emirates on Tuesday night, with some suggesting that was his farewell to the supporters.
The veteran goalkeeper is expected to leave Newcastle very soon, with Saudi Arabian outfit the likely destination for Dubravka. If that was his last game for the Magpies, it was quite the way to bow out.
Real Madrid eyeing move for Abdukodir Khusanov
More bad news for Newcastle as another of their reported targets is in the crosshairs of another club; this time, it’s defender, Abdukodir Khusanov.
Real Madrid are now in the race for Khusanov, while Manchester City are also looking to sign the £20m Lens man this month. The player’s agent has also said Khusanov deserves to play for one of the ‘best clubs’ in Europe.
Centre-half is one of three positions Eddie Howe wants to improve at Newcastle, but it would appear a deal for Khusanov may be too difficult for the Magpies, and they could end up looking at other options.
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