Newcastle rumour rubbished as Toon plan two January signings – The Athletic

The Athletic report that Hugo Ekitike will NOT be joining Newcastle United, despite plans to sign a versatile forward this winter.

The former target has been linked with a loan-to-buy move in January, but they report that we won’t reignite our interest in the PSG forward, claiming agents have also drummed up links to Stuttgart star Serhou Guirassy.

Chris Waugh and George Caulkin state that transfer shortlists are being drawn up in a variety of positions, with a forward the current priority followed by a midfielder, as things stand.

They add that Eddie Howe is keen on versatility – a trait that has made the likes of Anthony Gordon so valuable during our recent injury crisis – and prefers to sign ready-made players with Premier League or ‘top-level’ experience in Europe. Loan signings with options or obligations to buy are also being explored, with one domestic and two international slots still open to use.

Projected budgets based on our Champions League finish have been produced. It’s claimed our budget could receive an eight-figure boost if we can qualify for the knockout stages, but plans have also been made in the event of Europa League football or crashing out of Europe entirely.

A holding midfielder who allows Bruno Guimaraes to play further forward could arrive, but it’s believed our recruitment team are assessing a number sixes and number eights. As for strikers, there’s ‘growing feeling’ another is needed due to Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak’s injury record, with Howe reluctant to use Anthony Gordon as a central striker too often when he’s more effective on the wing.

The Athletic also reveal that Ruben Neves is not a priority target despite claims we’ll make a loan bid now a temporary ban on related-party transactions failed to pass, with the club ‘exasperated’ by the constant links.

⚫️ Howe in ‘bunker’ mode
⚪️ Forward January priority as it stands
⚫️ Five fit first-team players doing full week of…

Source link : https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2023/11/23/newcastle-rumour-rubbished-as-toon-plan-two-january-signings-the-athletic/

Author : Olly Hawkins

Publish date : 2023-11-23 13:50:37

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