Eddie Howe made it clear earlier this week that he’d like to freshen up the squad in the upcoming January transfer window.
With the winter window just a few weeks away, Steve Nickson and the club’s recruitment team will be busy discussing plans and watching potential targets as we consider our next moves.
From wonderkids like Rayan Vitor or Kees Smit, to established options like Scott McTominay and Conor Gallagher, there’s been plenty of links leading up to January, with the latest reports suggesting we’ve recently been in Portugal to check out a familiar name…
Porto star back on radar?
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Newcastle United had a scout present at the Estádio do Dragão for FC Porto’s recent win over Nice in the Europa League.
Who our scout was watching in particular is unknown, but the report suggests Newcastle are continuing to keep a close eye on powerful young striker Samu Aghehowa.
Samu was a target for us this past summer as we eyed up potential replacements for Alexander Isak, and would have cost a similar amount of money to what we ended up paying for Nick Woltemade.
The Spaniard is having another great season in Portugal, following up on last season’s tally of 27 goals in 45 appearances with 10 goals in 17 appearances so far this campaign.
Midfielder Gabri Veiga was the star of the show last Thursday night, netting two goals in the 3-0 win with a metronomic performance in midfield to boot. We were linked with potentially signing the youngster when he was at Celta Viga two seasons ago, before he made the move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.
If we are still interested in Veiga’s signature, then it wouldn’t be a surprise that we’ve waited for him to be off the books at Al-Ahli, considering we share owners with the Saudi giants.
Osula replacement wanted?
Earlier this week, Sky Germany reported that Will Osula has reached an agreement in principle to join Frankfurt in January.
This does not mean Newcastle have struck a deal with the Bundesliga club. But, if true, it’s another indication that the young Dane is looking to leave in order to secure first team minutes.
Osula is currently third choice in the pecking order, although we would need to replace him should he depart in the New Year, with another option required to support Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa; who hasn’t kicked a ball yet this season.
The question is, would a player like Samu be realistic to fill that role? He is young, but a Porto star currently playing in Europe and pushing to get into the Spanish national side isn’t joining to play back-up.
