Steve Bruce had a busy summer transfer window as Newcastle United manager.
The 59-year-old pushed hard for the club to recruit British based players and his wish was granted with the arrivals of Callum Wilson, Ryan Fraser, Jamal Lewis and Jeff Hendrick.
Bruce was ultimately happy with his squad, but the nature of this season already suggests that injuries will be prevalent and the need for a deep squad is greater than ever. That could see Bruce return to the market come January, and the club already have a host of targets that they tried to do deals for this summer but couldn’t get over the line.
With that in mind, here are three deals that Newcastle could revisit come January.
Rob Holding
The Arsenal defender looked set for a move to Tyneside only for the Gunners to pull the plug at the last minute.
"Holding was really close to joining Newcastle on loan," Chris Wheatley, Arsenal reporter at Football.London, told Chronicle Live.
Mikel Arteta is clearly keen for Holding to play regular first-team football, but a defensive crisis forced his hand and the former Bolton youngster has made nine starts for the Gunners this season across all competitions. The club are now slowly regaining a full group of centre-backs with Pablo Mari returning to fitness after a long spell out with an ankle injury.
That could open up space for Holding to leave the club on a temporary basis, and that could be to Newcastle’s benefit. The departure of Florian Lejeune to Alaves opened up a space in the first-team, and given Bruce’s recent switch to a back-three it helps to have as many options in central defence as possible.
There is also no doubt that Holding would boost the quality level among the squad. Newcastle are fortunate to have a strong set of centre-backs, but Holding’s ability to play out from the back would allow Bruce more options at the back, with Fabian Schar the only current centre-back comfortable in the role of ball-playing defender.
Jetro Willems
The Dutch defender had long been interested in a move to Tyneside before finally getting his wish in the summer of 2019.
He recovered well from a difficult debut against Arsenal to win the hearts and minds of Toon fans with his attacking quality much-admired. He scored a delightful goal away at Anfield against Liverpool and at home to Manchester City, and many fans were keen to see the club trigger the permanent option in his loan deal.
Unfortunately, a season-ending injury curtailed his loan spell and the club ultimately opted to send him back to Eintracht Frankfurt to continue his recovery. The defender said the club will always hold a special place in his heart while refusing to rule out a return.
Eintracht Frankfurt reporter for Sport1, Christopher Michel, told Chronicle Live that Eintracht fans were keen observers of Willems' spell on Tyneside.
"They were sharing all of his goals on Twitter and Instagram so it was a big thing for the Frankfurt fans to check how Willems was doing in Newcastle. Here in Frankfurt, everyone still hopes Willems can play for Eintracht so, here, the fans have been enthusiastic.
The defender is still on the road to recovery but is nearing a return to first-team action. If he is able to build momentum there is every chance the two club’s could reach an agreement come January.
Newcastle may have purchased Jamal Lewis since then, but the Magpies have been guilty in the past of lacking depth at left-back, and the idea of having the two competing could tempt Bruce into spending some money come January.
Josh King
If Newcastle really want to go on a Bournemouth shopping spree they should return for Josh King.
The Norwegian striker was heavily touted for a transfer in the wake of the Cherries relegation, with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur both reported suitors. The former would see King reunite with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The two worked together at Old Trafford when King was part of the reserve team, and it’s not outlandish to suggest a return is on the cards.
The strength of a signing like King is the versatility it offers Bruce. The Norwegian international can play as a striker or in a wide position. His understanding with Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser would smooth his integration into the squad, while his pace would offer the Magpies even more of a threat on the counter-attack.
Furthermore, with Bruce low on proven quality at the striker position the chance to add a striker of King’s quality shouldn’t be sniffed at. The Cherries are currently chasing promotion in the Championship, and depending on where they sit come January they may be more or less willing to sell.
Either way, the Magpies should test their resolve.
