Here is your latest 4am Newcastle United transfer digest.
Alli warning
Newcastle United have been warned against a potential January move for Tottenham outcast Dele Alli by pundit Noel Whelan.
The Athletic recently reported that Spurs would be open to a mid-season sale for the former England international, and the Magpies have inevitably been credited with an interest.
Whelan told Football Insider: "I’m not being funny, but have you seen much fight in his performances recently?
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“I’m really not sure you want to be pinning your survival hopes on him getting you out the mire. Right now, I think you’d certainly look somewhere else before bringing Dele Alli in if you’re in a relegation dogfight.
“He’s a huge risk, if you’re looking to him to get you out of trouble. We haven’t seen any fight or real quality in his performances for two, two and a half years now.
“It’s just a question of whether Newcastle will want to take a punt on him – I certainly wouldn’t. He’s shown no passion, no hunger, no energy – nothing.”
Botman competition
Newcastle have reportedly made Lille centre-back Sven Botman one of their priority targets in the January transfer window.
However, Italian outlet Calciomercato now claim the Magpies will face competition for his signature from AC Milan, with the Serie A giants keen to sign cover for injured defender Simon Kjaer.
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The report outlines how contact with Botman's entourage has intensified in recent days, with the Rossoneri open to paying a substantial loan fee.
Lille's continued involvement in the Champions League could complicate a mid-season deal, and Newcastle's reported desire to complete a permanent deal could hand them an advantage in negotiations with the Ligue 1 champions.
