Paul Mitchell could enter transfer ‘battle’ as Newcastle United target £46m star for January

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Newcastle United are expected to invest heavily over the January transfer window.

After an underwhelming summer of business, pressure is ramping up on sporting director Paul Mitchell to deliver signings in January.

Newcastle United missed out on all of their top targets over the summer after leaving it far too late to get any deals over the line.

The transfer saga with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi rumbled on until the final few days of the summer window before Newcastle walked away from a deal.

Likewise, Newcastle also targeted a right-sided winger but failed to get a deal done after a last-gasp £50m bid for Anthony Elanga was rejected by Nottingham Forest.

It proves that there was a budget at Mitchell’s disposal over the summer and it has been suggested he will now have £70m to spend over the January window.

Newcastle target £46m Alex Baena deal

Newcastle United’s current priority for January is a winger after missing out on multiple targets in the summer.

The Magpies have been linked with a move for Leroy Sane but fresh reports suggest they have set their sights on Villarreal’s Alex Baena.

CaughtOffside report that Baena has caught the eye of Newcastle’s scouts after impressing in Spain and a move could be made as early as the January transfer window.

The 23-year-old’s contract runs until 2028 so it has been suggested that Newcastle would have to pay £46m (€55m) for his signature.

However, Premier League rivals Aston Villa are also said to be interested and the report suggests a “battle” for his signature could be on the cards.

Baena has played on both wings for Villarreal this season, but predominantly on the left which would only add to Newcastle’s issue with Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes also preferring that side.

Alex Baena could replace Miguel Almiron at Newcastle

It now seems inevitable that a winger will arrive at St James’ Park in January, although it is not yet clear who the top target is.

It is clear, however, that Miguel Almiron is now deemed excess to requirements and will likely leave. It was frankly a surprise that he stayed put on Tyneside this summer.

READ MORE: Miguel Almiron has now changed his mind about moving to Saudi Arabia if he leaves Newcastle

He almost completed a return to the MLS over the summer but Almiron’s move to Charlotte FC collapsed due to financial reasons.

However, Almiron was also linked to the Saudi Pro League. Newcastle will try to find a suitor for him in January, and his exit will make space for a new winger to arrive.