Newcastle United are believed to be eyeing a new attacking addition in January, according to the latest reports.
What’s the word?
As per journalist Fabrizio Romano - in his Caught Offside column - the Magpies are said to be keen on strengthening Eddie Howe’s forward line with the capture of a new winger in the winter window.
The transfer guru stated in an exciting post: “They just invested record money on Alexander Isak in the summer, so I think the focus in January will be on different kind of players.
“Probably, Newcastle will keep an eye on wingers as they wanted a new signing in that position already in August but they didn’t find the right player.”
This follows recent speculation that the northeast side are tracking Shakhtar Donetsk sensation Mykhaylo Mudryk, as well as Bayer Leverkusen starlet, Moussa Diaby.
Complete Howe’s attack
The St James’ Park outfit are currently enjoying a stunning campaign thus far having moved into contention for a Champions League berth, although the Tynesiders may well still be plotting further additions to bolster those top-four hopes.
The acquisition of another high-quality winger could well prove to be the difference in that battle to secure a place in Europe’s premier competition, with Howe’s men currently somewhat reliant on the dynamic duo of Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron to deliver the goods.
In the case of Wilson, the Englishman has led the line superbly in the absence of club-record signing, Alexander Isak, having scored six goals and provided two assists in just 11 top-flight outings thus far.
That form - which earned the 30-year-old a place in Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad for the upcoming World Cup - has been eclipsed by that man Almiron who has scored eight times already this term, with that tally the sixth-best in the division at present.
Adding an extra body to shoulder the burden on that pair could well be vital in the second half of the campaign, with cult hero Allan Saint-Maximin having only scored once this season after being hampered by injury.
The Frenchman’s replacement in the side - Jacob Murphy - has been lauded for his “consistency” of late, as per The Chronicle’s Lee Clark, although the 27-year-old perhaps lacks the desired quality, having only scored once in 15 league outings so far this season.
As such, Howe could well complete his attack by bringing in a new exciting, option on the flanks - ideally to operate on the left-hand side - with supporters likely hoping to see a high-profile figure arrive through the door when the market re-opens.