The January transfer window may have closed on Monday evening but that doesn’t necessarily mean Newcastle United’s business is done until the summer.
The Magpies spent in excess of £80m on four new recruits as they strengthened their squad in the bid to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
However, despite Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn and Matt Targett arriving to bolster Eddie Howe’s defensive options, many supporters believe more players needed to be added to the backline.
Go here for all the latest Newcastle United news
Only Norwich have conceded more league goals than Newcastle so far this season leading to pundits and fans claiming that two or three new central defenders were needed.
While the end of the transfer window means the club are unable to buy players from other clubs, they are still able to acquire players on free transfers.
It is hardly the method that many would prioritise but it does open the door for further arrivals if Howe deems them necessary.
We have taken a look at a few players currently without an employer that Newcastle could target in the next few days and weeks.
Laurent Koscielny
Firstly, we’ll take a look at a couple of centre-backs who the Magpies could target and Laurent Koscielny is available after a falling out at Bordeaux.
The former Arsenal captain was told his salary was too much by the Ligue 1 club amid worries of a potential relegation.
While he is 36 and won’t be a player for the future, a deal until the end of the season could be explored by Newcastle if they are interested in acquiring further defensive reinforcements.
Mateo Musacchio
Like Koscielny, Mateo Musacchio could help Howe’s side in the relegation fight for the rest of the season. He has, however, been without a club since the summer so would take some time to get up to speed and the fitness required to compete in the Premier League.
He certainly has the pedigree to succeed though as he has played well over 300 games in La Liga and Serie A as well as earning a handful of caps for Argentina.
Diego Costa
The other main area of the squad that fans believed needed strengthening in January was in the frontline. Chris Wood was signed from Burnley but yet another long-term injury for Callum Wilson’s has left Newcastle light up front.
Negotiations for Hugo Ekitike broke down as the 19-year-old was unsure of making such a significant move at his young age and Howe might turn his attention to other options.
Diego Costa is the glaring alternative after his contract expired at Brazilian club Atletico Mineiro at the turn of the new year.
Since leaving Chelsea for Atletico Madrid a few years ago, he has struggled to find the same form he exhibited in the Premier League but he could be a decent option for Newcastle, especially if Wood was to pick up an injury.
Elkeson
Elkeson is another striker available on a free transfer that could provide useful back-up to Wood at St James’ Park between now and the end of the season.
Despite potential eyebrows being raised over him spending the majority of his career in the Chinese top flight, he has proved time and time again that he is addicted to scoring goals.
In 39 league games in his second stint with his most recent employers, Guangzhou, Elkeson netted 26 goals and provided 12 assists.
He has also transformed decent form onto the international stage where he has scored four goals in his 13 appearances for China.
For the latest Newcastle news direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
