Newcastle United are waiting for an opportunity to pounce in the transfer window after a relatively quiet January so far.
The only business completed by Newcastle United so far this month has been the £11m sale of Miguel Almiron to MLS side Atlanta United.
Eddie Howe warned that January could be quiet, and Newcastle fans were aware that there would be much more focus on selling players than bringing in any big-name signings.
Unfortunately, due to PSR, Newcastle were cautious of making any major signings this month in case they are forced to sell like they were last summer.
But that hasn’t stopped Newcastle’s recruitment team – headed by sporting director Paul Mitchell – from doing the ground-work on potential signings if an opportunity arises. Or even just as targets for the summer.
Newcastle United ‘waiting in the wings’ for James McAtee deal
With Sean Longstaff open to leaving Newcastle, the Magpies have begun scouting around for potential midfield signings.
Manchester City’s James McAtee is on Newcastle’s radar with club officials at St James’ Park admiring the 22-year-old’s talents. He has been starved of game time under Pep Guardiola and could head for the exit.
McAtee is valued at £25m by City and Newcastle are keeping tabs on his situation. According to CaughtOffside, Newcastle are among a host of clubs “waiting in the wings” for McAtee with Guardiola giving him the green light to leave this month.
Unfortunately, though, the report adds that Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen are currently the favourites to land McAtee this month.
Newcastle have not ruled out a move for McAtee, but the Magpies would likely want to wait until the summer before striking a deal.
Newcastle have already missed out on two targets
Because of the shackles of PSR, Newcastle have been forced to adopt a patient approach to the window, but that has already put a dent in transfer plans.
Newcastle missed out on Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis despite being “really close” to a deal. The duo have joined Manchester City because the Magpies couldn’t afford to sign them this month.
It seems as though Newcastle may miss out on McAtee for similar reasons, with the young midfielder inching closer to a move abroad.
Hopefully Newcastle’s transfer strategy will pay off in the summer when a £73m PSR boost is received. But only time will tell.
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