Steve Bruce suggested this morning that the club had been linked with 38 players in the January transfer window.
There has been a flurry of links this week but it’s not quite that many – our last count had 23 links that had emerged from reports this week across the internet, traditional outlets and foreign media.
Newcastle are understood to be frustrated at some of the links, which are undoubtedly agent-driven or simply fliers from clubs, fixers, intermediaries or even gossip mongers in the game.
But with names being put to clubs with more frequency this month – and Newcastle clearly looking at options to bolster their forward line – it’s unlikely to freeze up any time soon.
Here Football Publishing Editor Mark Douglas runs down the 23 links, and whether there’s any chance at all.
Possibles
Ademola Lookman (RB Leipzig)
A name put to Newcastle by intermediaries who clearly believe a move would be best for all parties. Not as close as has been reported – with one bulletin claiming a medical had been booked – but definitely possible as a loan move with an option to buy.
Mbwana Samatta (Genk)
The 26-year-old has a £10million release clause in his contract. The noise around it has died down recently but perhaps one to watch with Premier League clubs watching.
Reagan Thomson (Queen’s Park)
The 17-year-old is being looked at to possibly join the under-23 development group. Could be completed this month.
Unlikely
Krzysztof Piatek (AC Milan)
The kind of figures being talked about mean the Poland striker – despite ticking a few boxes – is unlikely to join Newcastle.
Emmanuel Dennis (Bruges)
Nigeria forward has the right look but all parties are mystified at the link. Newcastle have denied a bid.
Gedson Fernandes (Benfica)
Talented midfielder was linked to Newcastle but again, finances might dictate that Newcastle wouldn’t go there.
Michy Batshuayi (Chelsea)
Newcastle enquired but the finances around the deal would likley be prohibitive. Far from certain Chelsea will allow him to go out on loan anyway.
Maybe – but not this window
Lewis Holgate (Everton)
Everton defender might be surplus to requirements. Right age and profile but not imminent.
Dwight McNeil (Burnley)
On United’s radar before Bruce took over and the Burnley man is piquing plenty of interest. But not likely to happen.
Jarrod Bowen (Hull City)
No doubt Newcastle are keen on Bowen, with Bruce a big fan. But they suspect he will be priced out of a move this month – there might also be an extra premium for Newcastle because of the poor relations between Hull and their former manager. One to revisit in the summer.
Adam Lallana (Liverpool)
Plenty of Premier League clubs will be eyeing his contract situation. Definitely not a possible for this window and he’ll be able to name his price if he is a free agent in the close season.
Stephane Diarra (Le Mans)
United have looked at the Ligue 2 star but he’s not a priority this month. Maybe one to monitor.
No chance
James Tavernier (Rangers)
Not the right price, age or profile for Newcastle.
Cenk Tosun (Everton)
The link probably derives from Newcastle’s interest before Everton signed him. But that was a long time ago and Tosun is going to Crystal Palace.
Oliver Giroud (Chelsea)
The Chelsea forward’s availability alerted Steve Bruce but the finances of the deal and the player’s own preferences always made this one unlikely. Now heading for Inter Milan.
Glenn Murray (Brighton)
Newcastle flatly denied the link with the Brighton journeyman after two outlets reported it. With Brighton open to offers, was someone trying to smoke out interest?
Nikola Kalinic (Atletico Madrid)
Left-field link to the Roma forward didn’t have substance. The same outlets that ran it then reported Kalinic didn’t want to come anyway – which sums up January.
Moussa Marega (Porto)
A summer speculative link re-heated for January. Not one Newcastle are looking at.
Alfredo Morelos (Rangers)
The Colombia striker is hot property in the SPL but Newcastle aren’t about to sign him. Rangers wouldn’t deal with Mike Ashley anyway, according to Scottish reports.
Odion Ighalo (Shanghai Shenhu)
Another strange link: the Watford striker isn’t on the radar.
Granit Xhaka (Arsenal)
Bruce liked the look of Xhaka and wondered whether he might be persuaded to come on a short-term deal. Finances and his own preference to go elsewhere means this one has gone completely cold.
Ryan Babel (Galatasaray)
Eurosport threw Newcastle’s name into the mix for the former Liverpool winger. But he’s going to Ajax and Newcastle weren’t interested anyway.
Everton Soares (Gremio)
A loan move with a potential £38.5million offer was reported in the French media for the winger. Newcastle have checked him out but quickly dismissed the links.
