A resounding 4-1 victory over Chelsea at St James’ Park has provided a morale boost for Newcastle United, though it does little to alleviate the ongoing injury crisis plaguing the team. Despite the recent triumph, the need for reinforcements in January remains apparent as the fixtures continue to come thick and fast for the depleted Magpies.
In the latest transfer roundup:
1. **Interest in Hugo Ekitike:**
Newcastle United is reportedly keen on reigniting a deal for Paris Saint-Germain forward Hugo Ekitike, with a ‘genuine interest’ noted. The Times has identified Ekitike as a ‘leading target’ for the Magpies. Despite choosing PSG over Newcastle in 2022 and making the move permanent this summer for around £35 million, the 21-year-old has struggled for playing time, making a loan deal to Newcastle a potential option. While the Tyneside club may prefer a loan arrangement, PSG might be inclined to cash in on the underperforming transfer.
2. **Kalvin Phillips a Priority:**
Another prominent target for Newcastle United in the January transfer market is Manchester City star and England international Kalvin Phillips. Eddie Howe, the Newcastle United manager, reportedly places Phillips at the ‘top of the list.’ The defensive midfielder, seeking more playing time, could join on loan, offering him a chance to impress ahead of Euro 2024 and filling in for the suspended Sandro Tonali in Newcastle’s midfield. Despite rumors of a potential loan move for Ruben Neves, the Times reports that the club has ‘no interest’ in such a temporary deal, with Phillips being the primary target
As Newcastle strives to maintain competitiveness amid their injury woes, the January transfer window emerges as a crucial opportunity for strategic reinforcements.
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