Newcastle United transfer state of play: Talks ongoing…

Newcastle United transfer state of play: Talks ongoing for La Liga kid and loan decisions awaited

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe says that the Magpies are "assessing the market" with the January window now in full swing.

This time last year, Newcastle had already signed Kieran Trippier and were close to adding Chris Wood to the list as arrival number two. But the club are taking a sensible approach to the window this winter and know that the urgency levels are nowhere near as high as 2022.

The club are talking to Real Valladolid about the future signing of Iván Fresneda with Steve Nickson spotted in Spain. But Howe indicated after the 0-0 draw with Arsenal that nothing else was close.

Iván Fresneda

The 18-year-old right-back is also a target of Juventus and AC Milan but Newcastle are trying to get an initial £10million deal done to sign him in this window. The plan is then to advance with a structured deal which could rise close to £30million over time.

However, if Newcastle do clinch Fresneda this month he is likely to be loaned back out to the La Liga club as part of the agreement. That would be a good scenario for United as they would already have the perfect loan deal in place for one of their youngsters.

Garang Kuol

The hot prospect from Australia is wanted by a clutch of clubs in the Championship and the Scottish Premiership. But he is training with the first-team for now.

Still just 18 the forward watched on from the stands against Arsenal as an observer last night at the Emirates Stadium. His time will come but Howe is keen to get the signing from Central Coast Mariners game-time rather a stint on the sidelines waiting for his chance.

Martin Dubravka

The Slovakia international asked for the recall clause on his Man United loan to be activated last week. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was happy to bring him back and even named him on the bench at Arsenal.

There is interest from Leicester City but Dubravka has already vowed he wants to fight for his place until the end of the season. Given the form of Nick Pope that will be tough but the FA Cup may offer him some game-time at Newcastle.

Manu Kone

The Magpies have been linked with a move for French youngster Kone this week. The central midfielder would fit the bill for Newcastle in terms of young and up and coming.

Yet he is a regular with Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany and would require at least a £25million fee. He is contracted to Gladbach until at least 2025.

Eddie Howe's latest quotes on the window

Howe last night told Match of the Day that Newcastle were not close to signing anybody as of the close of play after the Arsenal game. He said: "We will try to make the right decision for the team. "There's nobody imminently coming in and we are going to assess the market."