An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United's pursuit of Aleksandr Golovin from AS Monaco in the January transfer window.

What's the talk?

According to Russian outlet MetaRatings, the Magpies are set to join Everton and West Ham in the race to land the 25-year-old's services this month.

The report claims that the player is keen on a switch to St James' Park, which could give them an advantage in their efforts to bring him in during the January window.

Cabaye 2.0

Eddie Howe must secure Golovin's services, as he could find Yohan Cabaye 2.0 for Newcastle with a deal for the playmaker this month. The 25-year-old is a midfielder who can have a telling impact on games with his ability to make things happen in the final third.

The Russia international has enjoyed a strong spell in Ligue 1 and proven his quality at the top level in recent years. Since joining Monaco in 2018, he has produced 13 goals and 18 assists from a midfield position in the French league, with Golovin capable of playing in a number of roles across the middle of the park.

Last season, he managed five goals and nine assists in 21 Ligue 1 appearances (12 starts), averaging a goal contribution every 1.5 games. He averaged 1.7 key passes per match as he showed off his creative quality from midfield, regularly providing his team-mates with chances to score.

Niko Kovac, his former manager at Monaco, previously heaped praise on the talented Russian, saying: "Golovin is a fantastic player. For his first start since August, he's scored three goals. He's a world-class player. He delivers delicious passes. I know the quality of his passing. That's why I asked him to take the free-kick that led to the third goal."

In 93 games for Newcastle, Cabaye managed 18 goals and 14 assists for the Magpies, which shows that - like Golovin is for Monaco - the Frenchman was a midfielder who could score and create goals in the Premier League. He was also known to score some sublime free kicks from time to time, and Golovin has shown that he too can be a threat from a dead ball situation.

Therefore, the 25-year-old could be a terrific signing for Newcastle, as he has shades of Cabaye to his game and could be Howe's midfield maestro for years to come, which is why the Magpies boss must try to get a deal over the line for him in the coming weeks.

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