Newcastle United have "discussed" both Georginio Wijnaldum and Donny van de Beek as potential transfer targets in this January window...

What's the story?

Eddie Howe's side currently find themselves languishing inside the Premier League's relegation zone, but have pulled off a couple of impressive early window signings in the shape of Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood.

And now, The Telegraph's Luke Edwards has claimed that the Magpies have got their sights set on a couple of marquee players who while it seems unlikely they would make the switch to St James' Park, have been "discussed".

On late Wednesday night, he said: "Heard both Wijnaldum and van de Beek have been discussed as possible loan signings for #nufc but former has lots of options IF he decides to leave PSG. Latter is trapped at Manchester United against his will. Both seem unobtainable but never say never is my advice."

A statement of Newcastle's ambition

While the signings of Trippier and Wood have given Newcastle some much-needed experience and proven Premier League quality, moves for the likes of Wijnaldum and Van de Beek would be a real statement of ambition.

The duo may not be regular starters for their respective clubs, but have certainly built up a sizeable reputation in European football with their previous stints at Liverpool and Ajax.

Wijnaldum of course played a huge role in the Reds' Champions League triumph a couple of years ago when he netted in that famous comeback against Barcelona at Anfield, while Van de Beek was part of a young Ajax side who reached the semi-finals in that exact same season.

While Edwards has claimed that "both seem unobtainable", their lack of first-team football could play into Newcastle's hands, and a deal could well be on the cards later on in the window.

Magpies fans will surely be delighted with the kind of names they're being linked to.

Meanwhile, Newcastle could save their season with this signing...