Things are starting to pick up ahead of the January transfer window, with Newcastle United learning a lot about their top targets.
While results are heading in the right direction for Newcastle United now, there’s no denying that Eddie Howe still needs to bolster his squad.
If not Kees Smit, which midfielder should Newcastle sign in January?
Feel free to name your DREAM and REALISTIC signing….
The midfield is seen as a priority for Newcastle, while adding to the full-back area is also on the list for the Magpies. Ask the fans, though, and they’ll tell you a new goalkeeper is needed after Aaron Ramsdale’s display against Spurs.
It’s unclear at this stage how much Newcastle are willing to spend. But, here’s what we know about the players they’re looking at, plus updates on those who could leave the club.
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Kees Smit to stay put
For weeks now, we’ve been hearing talk of the Magpies pushing to sign Kees Smit from AZ Alkmaar. The young Dutch midfielder was keen to join Newcastle if he could get regular minutes, but there’s been a new update that’s not as positive.
Despite mutual interest, it’s thought a midseason move for Smit is unlikely now. Alkmaar want £53m for the teenager, and that fee is expected to go up by the summer.
It is thought Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid are all interested as well, so we could well see a transfer tussle emerge in the coming months.
Newcastle United have new targets
It’s not all doom and gloom, though. Newcastle have a new transfer target, with Feyenoord’s Luciano Valente being watched by Magpies’ scouts.
The attacking midfielder, 22, only joined the Dutch giants in the summer and they are eager to tie him to a new contract. But, if Newcastle come calling, he could be on the move soon.
Meanwhile, long-term target Ederson is available for cheaper now. The Atalanta man was previously valued at around £40m but could now be sold for around £26-£35million.
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Is Will Osula leaving?
It’s thought Will Osula wants to leave Newcastle, with interest in Germany looking the most substantial avenue for that to happen.
We don’t think Newcastle should sell Osula. For a start, he’s a good player. Second of all, the club isn’t even expected to make any profit on him.
However, it is now said that Osula will leave in the summer rather than in January as first expected. Eintracht Frankfurt are the likely destination.
Let’s say Newcastle have a January transfer budget of £100m. How are you spending it?
All on one player? £20m on five different positions? Going big on a goalkeeper and a young-full back gets my vote…
Newcastle United transfer round-up: Lewis Miley, Tino Livramento value, Antonio Cordero
There have been concerns that Newcastle might sell Lewis Miley and cash in pure profit. However, our finance expert tells us Newcastle have no pressure to sell Miley or any other academy talent, and that the new Squad Cost Ratio system should allow them to keep their top stars.
Speaking of, Tino Livramento is now valued at £100m by Newcastle. That, twinned with the fact Livramento said he loves it at Newcastle, means an exit any time soon is unlikely.
Newcastle youngster Antonio Cordero could be rescued by Deportivo. He’s barely getting any minutes on loan at Westerlo in Belgium and could be recalled before getting sent back to Spain.
Lastly, as Man City eye up Elliot Anderson, Newcastle fans are livid the club could miss out on re-signing their former player. It’s thought City could pay at least £80m for the Nottingham Forest man.
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