Newcastle United could be set to strengthen their squad even further in the January transfer window, with another potential target emerging.

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According to The Times, Eddie Howe's side are plotting a swoop for Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in 2023.

As per the report, the Magpies are joined by Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain in their interest, with Newcastle set to make a move either in January or next summer.

Howe can land his own Vinicius Jr

Howe will surely be thrilled with the progress that his team has been making over the last 13 months since he arrived at St James' Park, when they were embedded in the relegation zone.

Newcastle are currently third in the Premier League, and after their huge takeover which made them the richest football club in the world, the future is looking bright on Tyneside.

The Magpies boss will be hoping that his team can continue to dominate when they return to league action on Boxing Day, and although the current squad have been one of the most in-form in the top flight, the January transfer window could be the perfect opportunity to strengthen further.

Kvaratskhelia has become one of the hottest prospects in Europe and has this season shown glimpses of his outstanding talent in the final third of the pitch.

In 12 Serie A appearances, the €100m-valued (£87.2m) ace - who was hailed as a “nice surprise” by Brazilian legend Kaka - has scored six goals, registered five assists and created eight big chances, along with averaging 1.9 key passes, 2.8 shots on goal, 1.3 tackles, 1.6 dribbles and 4.4 successful duels per game.

In fact, Howe could even land his very own Vinicius Junior for Newcastle, with the Real Madrid star named as the second most comparable player to Kvaratskhelia according to FBRef.

The two wide forwards share several similarities in terms of their output over the season so far, including goals scored (6 v 6), shots on target rate (38.2% v 41.7%, Kvaratskhelia first), pass completion (77.3% v 79.3%), shot-creating actions (58 v 62) and goal-creating actions (11 v 9).

The signing of the Georgia star would be a major coup for Newcastle, especially if they could secure his services over the second half of the season in their pursuit to retain their Champions League qualifying berth.