Newcastle transfer news: Toon want Youri Tielemans and Moises Caicedo in January

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United want to sign a centre midfielder in January, and have identified Youri Tielemans and Moises Caicedo as two possible options.

That is according to the Telegraph, who state that Eddie Howe is keen to bring in someone who already has Premier League experience.

The Magpies’ need for a midfielder has increased in recent days, with Jonjo Shelvey now set for another spell on the sidelines. He missed the Boxing Day win over Leicester, and will now be out for six to eight weeks with a calf problem.

That is a real blow for Howe, who had spoke about how delighted he was to have Shelvey back before the game against the Foxes.

Now he could be out for two months, having already missed a large part of this season. That could force Newcastle to be active in the January transfer window, and there are two centre midfielders who Dan Ashworth is pursuing.

Newcastle want Tielemans and Caicedo

While Jorginho apparently isn’t a target, Newcastle do have two Premier League midfielders on their radar.

Neither of them are new targets, with the Magpies looking to sign Tielemans during the summer. However, a late deadline day move was not forthcoming.

But the 25-year-old is currently on course to become a free agent in the summer, with his Leicester contract winding down. That could make him a cheaper option for Newcastle in January, although he is likely to have plenty of suitors.

In contrast, Caicedo will cost a huge sum – a lot more than the £4.5million he cost in 2021 when Brighton beat Newcastle to his signature. He has been a star for Brighton this season, and has been described as a ‘brilliant tackler‘ by pundit Jamie Redknapp. His form has made him a man in demand, and the 21-year-old is reportedly valued at £60million.

That would make him one of Newcastle’s most expensive signings ever, and the Telegraph add that a deal for the Ecuadorian is already considering a ‘long shot’ by Toon officials.

Both Tielemans and Caicedo would be excellent additions, but it will be incredibly difficult to bring either of them to St James’ Park. Interest in the former may depend on other suitors, while the latter is going to cost a crazy figure that could be beyond the Magpies.

But they are both on Newcastle’s radar, so their must at least be some belief that a deal can be done.