What Newcastle United sources are saying about signing ‘established name’ this January

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The January transfer window is officially open, but it remains to be seen how active Newcastle United will be.

The Magpies could certainly benefit from bringing in reinforcements, but that will not be easy. Geordie Boot Boys have been told that Newcastle must sell before they buy, with the likes of Miguel Almiron and Kieran Trippier linked with moves away.

There are plenty of players who Newcastle could sell in January that could open the door for Eddie Howe to strengthen his squad.

However, it feels like any landmark deals are off the table during the winter transfer window.

What could happen at Newcastle United during the January transfer window

That is according to the Telegraph, who have provided an update on Newcastle United’s plans for the January transfer window.

According to the Telegraph’s sources, the Magpies are more likely to sign a project player than an ‘established name’ if they are actually able to sign anyone.

It appears that younger recruits with high potential will be targeted, rather than readymade stars. That is not a major surprise, as Paul Mitchell changes Newcastle’s transfer strategy.

Due to PSR, Newcastle cannot afford to splash out on superstar names who will immediately improve Eddie Howe’s starting XI. And even if they could afford it, the club could be minded to wait until the summer when there is better value available.

Which project players Newcastle United have been linked with

Newcastle have signed project players in the past. That is exactly what you would describe Will Osula as, with the 21-year-old nowhere near being the finished article.

Howe thinks Osula has improved since joining Newcastle, but he still has a lot of work to do to really justify the Magpies’ £10million investment in him.

In terms of the next project player to arrive at Newcastle, it remains to be seen who Paul Mitchell will prioritise.

Newcastle are trying to sign Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens. He is a 20-year-old centre-back who would arrive as a much cheaper alternative to Marc Guehi.

Elsewhere, Newcastle are targeting James Trafford again after failing to sign him in the summer. He is someone who could develop into Nick Pope’s long-term successor at St James’ Park.

But even those players will not be cheap, with both of them valued at around £20million.