“Everything I’m hearing” – Craig Hope issues January transfer update at Newcastle

Craig Hope fears it could be a quiet January transfer window for Newcastle United – unless sales are made to boost our winter budget.

The Daily Mail’s man in the North East believes there “probably isn’t going to be the money in January” to “spend big” on that quality right-winger we’ve craved for a few seasons now, adding that Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo has “admirers” at the club but isn’t someone we’ve held discussions to sign at this point.

Of course, the club made big-money bids for Marc Guehi over the summer, suggesting some money is there. However, Hope has been told that any high-profile additions may only be sanctioned if sales (potentially Miguel Almiron?) are agreed, with Newcastle wary of next June’s PSR deadline and the implications of overspending before that point.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Hope said: “Everything I’m hearing is that there probably isn’t going to be the money in January for Newcastle to go and spend big on the profile of right winger they want.

“I know the likes of Bryan Mbeumo have been mentioned and yes he’s got admirers on the inside. How could he not? He’s a good player. But I don’t think there’s been discussion in regards to Newcastle making a January move for Mbeumo, that’s my information.”

Hope also added: “You’ve got the PSR deadline coming in June so you don’t want to overspend (in January) then leave yourself having to scramble to sell players, as Newcastle did last June.

“I think Newcastle are probably going to have to sell to buy. That’s what I am getting back so far. Miguel Almiron to River Plate has been talked about and he’s a boyhood fan. He’s one we could see movement on in January and that could unlock some cash to bring in other players. But, as of now, I’m not expecting big investment in January.”