Club reporter shares transfer update after NUFC fan asks if a January signing is close..

The Chronicle’s Mark Douglas admits that ‘nothing seems particularly close’ on the transfer front for Newcastle – but confirms that ‘enquiries’ are going in and hopes that Ashley’s return from holiday could get things moving.

Douglas believes Newcastle will sign someone, but insists that nothing is imminent – with him pinning his hopes on Benitez receiving some much needed cash ahead of Ashley’s imminent return to the scene following a recent holiday.

Here’s what he’s had to say – confirming that ‘enquiries’ are being made, but failing to provide too much of a positive update for NUFC fans;

Hi mate… nothing seems particularly close although enquiries going in. Think they *will* sign someone. But unless things move quickly – and they could – nothing imminent.

— Mark Douglas (@MsiDouglas) January 9, 2019

I am pinning my hopes – rather optimistically – to Ashley's return unlocking some funds somewhere. He did see first hand how bad the team is, for example.

— Mark Douglas (@MsiDouglas) January 9, 2019

Unfortunately, I’m not feeling remotely optimistic either.

Benitez’s demeanour has been anything but positive over the last few weeks and he’s refusing to talk about transfers. That combined with Ashley’s absence at the worst possible time tells me that it’ll be a repeat of last January at best.

I think we’ll sign one or two, but I expect nothing more than a loan signing or bargain picked up from Europe.

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