The January transfer window may be centred around two things at Newcastle United: bringing forward moves for top young talent should they become available sooner, and improving squad depth should injuries force our hand.

Whilst Eddie Howe recently hinted that marquee signings look unlikely this month, January could be the ideal opportunity to boost a squad facing some huge games in the league, both cup competitions and the Champions League over the next month.

In a healthy position financially, particularly after the summer sales of Alexander Isak, Sean Longstaff and Lloyd Kelly, it feels like an opportunity to strengthen early and end 2025/26 on a high, providing the right players are available.

But one rumoured talks appears less likely to sign, despite his form in South America attracting the attention of recruitment chief Steve Nickson.

Rayan off the radar?

According to ESPN Brazil, Newcastle may have internally cooled any plans to sign rising superstar Rayan Vitor from Vasco da Gama.

The young forward has just recorded 20 goals across all completions, and Vasco da Gama look to be very keen on keeping their star man, having nailed him down to a contract until at least 2028.

Within this new deal is a release clause worth €80m, which is just less than the club record figure we paid for Nick Woltemade at the end of August from Stuttgart.

While a price below that mammoth fee could be negotiated down, it’s thought our recruitment team are wary of spending huge money on a teenage prospect, with Ross Wilson tipped to pursue hidden gems at a fraction of that fee.

Osula’s future set to be key

Rayan may not arrive, but it does look like a young striker is on the transfer wish list at Newcastle in some capacity.

With the current situation surrounding Will Osula, who has been tipped to leave on loan or permanently, we could do with another option alongside the aforementioned Woltemade and Yoane Wissa.

Sean Neave is developing nicely and could step up to the senior squad in time, but a replacement striker will be needed should Osula depart or struggle to overcome an ankle issue that’s threatening to plague his 2025/26 season.

So this striker situation will definitely be one to keep a close eye on over the coming weeks and months: Rayan may be off the table, but Steve Nickson and Ross Wilson could have another gem in mind after expanding our scouting network in recent months.