The Mail’s Craig Hope has released a piece on the Toon transfer front today, revealing what those behind the scenes at St James’ Park have been saying about our January plans.
According to sources close to the club, a ‘one in, one out’ approach is currently the most likely scenario this winter, with the club keen to balance the books – and the numbers in the squad – after spending in excess of £200m over the past 12 months.
One area Eddie Howe looks set to strengthen, however, is right-back, with The Mail revealing that West Ham’s Harrison Ashby and Leeds United’s Cody Drameh are two players who’ve been shortlisted by the club following recent recruitment meetings.
Sadly, a January move for Leicester City’s James Maddison has been described as ‘extremely unlikely.’ Hope insists that Howe remains a big admirer of the Foxes star, but any mid-season move for the 26-year-old is being played down for financial reasons.
Back to right-backs, the ‘one in, one out’ policy could raise questions over Javier Manquillo’s future should one of Ashby or Drameh arrive next month, with the Spaniard already behind Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth (currently injured) in the pecking order.
