Newcastle United’s scouting department has been busy with just weeks remaining until the January transfer window opens.
New sporting director Paul Mitchell wasn’t able to make his mark in the summer with Newcastle shackled by the Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Sadly, it seems Newcastle will still have to manage their spending in 2025 to avoid a potential points deduction but Eddie Howe will want to strengthen his squad in January.
Reports suggest that Newcastle will prioritise signing a right winger but transfer expert Graeme Bailey confirmed to Geordie Boot Boys that Newcastle still want a right-sided centre-back.
The hierarchy at St James’ Park will be busy compiling a list of targets ahead of the January transfer window opening, and fresh reports suggest scouts have had their eyes on a midfielder.
Newcastle United scouts watching Kenneth Taylor at Ajax
According to CaughtOffside, Newcastle are among a host of clubs monitoring 22-year-old midfielder Kenneth Taylor.
The report claims Newcastle have been scouting the Ajax star since the start of the season and are the club to watch as the race for Taylor’s signature unfolds.
Taylor predominantly plays in central midfield and he has become undroppable at Ajax having appeared in every single one of their matches so far this season. He has scored six goals and provided four assists.
Ajax have set their asking price for Taylor at €35m (£29m) with Arsenal, Aston Villa and Napoli also showing an interest in the young midfielder.
Given that central midfield is Newcastle’s strongest position in the squad, it would seem a bizarre move for Newcastle to splash the cash on the Dutchman, but there are signs that he is a future star.
Newcastle target Kenneth Taylor is the next Toni Kroos
It is no surprise that Taylor is drawing attention in the Netherlands after his superb run of form at Ajax this season.
Newcastle were linked with Taylor back in December 2023 with the Magpies tipped to make a summer move for the midfielder. That move never came to fruition, but it seems Newcastle have kept Taylor on their radar.
He has a bright future ahead of him with Taylor compared to Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos for his ability in possession.
Via The Times in 2022, former Ajax CEO Edwin van der Sar also hailed the midfielder as a “gem”.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
