Have Newcastle had a good season so far or not?
A mixed Champions League campaign that takes in the highs of thrashing Paris Saint-Germain and the lows of failing to lay a glove on Borussia Dortmund in Germany reflects a rollercoaster season which injuries are threatening to derail.
They had planned a quiet January transfer window – club insiders believe the summer is much better to get the value and quality they are targeting – but what Eddie Howe has branded an “unprecedented” injury crisis means they must surely act.
Where do they need to strengthen?
The centre of midfield appears their most pressing need after Sandro Tonali’s 10-month suspension for gambling offences ruled him out for the rest of the season. But they also need some support up front, where Callum Wilson’s fitness issues put a burden on Alexander Isak and the tireless Anthony Gordon to stay fit.
i has been told that recruitment meetings so far have not been focused on specific positions but rather on players who can “improve them long-term”. The consistent message has been that they won’t “sign players for the sake of it”, even if injuries are biting hard.
The blueprint for potential new signings won’t be altered hugely so that means a focus on players ready to – in the words of one insider – “plug in and play”. Howe has been stressing the need for Premier League experience and he loves versatility in his new signings so bringing in players who can fill a number of roles is likely.
How much money is available?
The Magpies are always guarded about the scale of their spending power, wary of rival clubs applying a so-called “Newcastle tax” in the belief that they are now the richest club in the world. They consistently talk down their transfer budget, perhaps to lower expectations among their fans and strengthen their negotiating hand.
Nevertheless i has been told “funds are available” for January reinforcements, with the club hopeful of structuring deals similar to the loan-now-buy-later capture of Chelsea’s Lewis Hall, which helps them from a financial fair play (FFP) perspective.
The budget has been helped by commercial deals with Sela and Saudia and the club’s participation in the Champions League and while no one is willing to put a number on it. A spend of £20-30m – with some loans thrown in – might not ruin summer plans to strengthen again. Expect movement, but not the sort of splurge that we saw in 2021.
One thing is for certain, the club will not blow the budget. Newcastle’s hierarchy see Everton’s 10-point punishment as proof that their caution on FFP is the most prudent approach.
Who are they being linked with?
As i reported last month, the club are huge admirers of Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips. He is a player they made an enquiry about in the summer – only to be knocked back by Phillips himself as he tried to revive his Etihad career – and returning to City with another offer seems likely.
Scott McTominay remains on their list but would be expensive. i understands Newcastle’s scouts have been busy in France recently. Paris Saint-Germain’s Hugo Ekitike, a target 18 months ago, has been linked.
Ruben Neves has his admirers at St James’ Park and a loan move is now possible given the Premier League’s proposal of a temporary ban has been defeated, but it is understood he is not a top target.
If Newcastle are looking to the future, they may crystallise their interest in Blackburn’s Adam Wharton – first revealed by i earlier this month. The Magpies have watched the England under-20 midfielder regularly recently.
Which players could leave?
The injury problems mean they can ill afford to let anyone leave. The Magpies have 14 on the treatment table and many are out for months rather than weeks, so fringe players like Matt Ritchie and Paul Dummett are likely to stay put.
Even loan moves for their younger players – 17-year-old Lewis Miley has interest from across the EFL – are off the table while they wrestle with their injury crisis. Indeed the club are toying with the idea of recalling one of the players they allowed to leave on loan – Gambian prospect Yankuba Minteh, who has impressed at Feyenoord – to help cover their injuries.
i‘s ideal signing – Kalvin Phillips
Phillips looks tailor-made for Newcastle and a loan move would surely make sense for Manchester City too.
An England international who has no chance of breaking his way into Pep Guardiola’s plans, Phillips needs minutes to get into the Euro 2024 squad.
Newcastle could do with a player of his ability, mentality and experience to give them options in the second half of the Premier League season.
The player is understood to be keen and Guardiola has indicated City will not stand in his way.
Possible starting XI at end of January
Pope; Livramento, Botman, Schar, Trippier; Phillips, Willock, Guimaraes; Joelinton, Isak, Gordon
from Football - inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/86aPTb9
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