There is an excellent article today in the Telegraph by Luke Edwards, and it’s positive on the transfer front for Newcastle.
While there are usually obvious difficulties in any window in January, there are others for Newcastle this time around, now that we are the richest football club in the world.
One of them is of course the charges shown for the Newcastle targets, with a main source telling the Telegraph:
“There is one prize for Newcastle and another for every other club”,
“But we know what needs to be done, the list of goals is there and we are working extremely hard to get them done as quickly as possible.”
“Everyone knows we need players to help the ones we already have, and the sooner we get them in January the better. “
The one who seems the most advanced is that of the 31-year-old England international and 35 times caped Kieran Tripper of Atlético Madrid.
And Newcastle seem confident they can get the England international through the door as early as next week.
And of course Trippier played for Burnley when Eddie Howe was the manager on the Lancashire side for most of 2011 so that helps.
Several center-backs are mentioned as possible signings, including Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly (who can also play left-back) and a possible loan-out for Tottenham’s Joe Rodon.
Barcelona are hoping to get rid of some of their players in January, due to their massive debt, and their France international center-back Samuel Umtiti is another expected target for the Magpies.
The 28-year-old, 31-time French international has only played once this season for the Spanish giants.
Dutch Lille center-back Sven Botman is another target that has been mentioned by numerous sources in recent weeks.
We would expect Eddie Howe to be asked which of these multiple targets he wants.
It wouldn’t surprise us if two center-backs were brought in – and maybe a new four-back line.
While another striker was still going to be signed in January to help Wilson up front, there is increased attention to bringing one earlier.
It’s because of Callum Wilson’s likely long-term injury in our 1-1 home draw against Manchester United on Monday night.
This January transfer market is a real test for the new owners to significantly strengthen the team and help Eddie Howe.
We hope they can do it.
What do you think?
