An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their plans ahead of the upcoming January transfer window...

What's the talk?

According to Calcio Mercato, Dan Ashworth is interested in snapping up wide attacker Arnaut Danjuma from Villarreal for the club in 2023.

The report claims that Italian giants AC Milan and fellow Premier League side Chelsea are both eyeing up a swoop for the former Bournemouth gem.

It is stated that the Spanish outfit are willing to part ways with him for a fee in the region of €40m (£35m), although it remains to be seen how much the Magpies are willing to pay for his services.

Upgrade on Jacob Murphy

Allan Saint-Maximin's injury has left Eddie Howe with Murphy starting out wide on the left of the front three, next to Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron.

The former Norwich winger has played 10 times in the Premier League this season, starting four of those matches, and has produced one goal and zero assists, whilst creating 0.5 chances per game. This comes after he managed one goal and two assists in 33 top-flight appearances last term, creating 0.6 chances per match.

These statistics show that he does not provide enough quality in the final third on a consistent basis. He has struggled to make a big impact at the top end of the pitch and Danjuma could come in as a major upgrade on the left flank.

The Dutch international has scored three goals in five starts across the UEFA Europa Conference League and La Liga so far this term, after catching the eye with an impressive 2021/22 campaign.

In his debut season for Villarreal, Danjuma scored 10 goals and provided three assists in 17 starts in the Spanish top-flight. He also plundered six goals and one assist in 10 Champions League starts, which shows that he has the ability to deliver at the very top level of club football.

The winger, who was once dubbed an "exceptional talent" by Clinton Morrison, could also slot straight into the team as he worked with Howe at Bournemouth and previously claimed that the head coach's style of play suited him as he is an attack-minded player.

Therefore, Ashworth could land a major upgrade on Murphy by signing the ex-Cherries man as his statistics since the start of last season suggest that he would offer a far greater goal threat than the Englishman.

He is also two years younger than the current Magpies man, at 25, and has plenty of years left ahead of him to develop and improve his ability, making him an asset for the here and now and for the future.