Newcastle United are one of a handful of Premier League clubs interested in signing Galatasaray midfielder Papa Badou Ndiaye, according to the Daily Mail.

What's the word?

Rafael Benitez had a frustrating summer transfer window, and so far January is not going much better.

The club find themselves hovering just three points above the relegation zone in the Premier League.

The Daily Mail claims that Newcastle have joined Stoke City, Crystal Palace and Watford in the race for Ndiaye.

The midfielder has only been at Galatasaray for five months following his summer switch, and has gone on to start 16 Super Lig games.

Can Newcastle afford him?

According to the British publication, the Turkish club may slap an £18m price tag on the midfielder.

Given the Magpies' current financial situation, it seems like that figure may be too high for the North-East outfit to consider.

Benitez's transfer plans could have taken a hit following the news that talks with Amanda Staveley-led PCP Partners regarding a £300m takeover have broken down.

A statement - sent to Sky Sports News - from current club owner Mike Ashley claimed that discussions over a bid were a "waste of time".

If the businessman has gone back to square one with regards to his sale of the club, then that could heavily affect how much money Benitez will be allowed to spend on players this month.

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