Mark Douglas at iNews has released an interesting piece on the transfer battle behind the scenes at Newcastle United heading into the January transfer window.
He claims that Eddie Howe is pushing for some ‘right here, right now’ solutions, meaning proven, experienced players able to make an immediate impact. However, the Saudi PIF’s ‘process-driven’ approach means they prefer investments that offer ‘long-term value.’
On that subject, the report reveals that Newcastle are scouting Blackburn’s highly-rated Adam Wharton, but it’s questioned if a 19-year-old midfielder is what we really need right now. With that in mind, it’s thought our transfer policy could change in January in order to help Howe’s injury-hit squad.
Douglas adds that we are scouting strikers in search of a third option alongside Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson, names Kalvin Phillips, Everton’s Amadou Onana and Ruben Neves as three midfielders with Premier League experience on our radar and reveals that we’re also ‘keeping tabs’ on Lyon talent Rayan Cherki and highly-rated Rennes teenager Desire Doue.
Speaking to the i, a source close to the club had this to say on PIF’s approach after stating it would be “impossible” for the club to sign several 29-year-olds on big wages, at present – “Kieran Trippier shows there is flexibility for the right player but (owners) PIF are process-driven. They want to know the long-term value of investments in everything – and that includes player recruitment.”
