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According to Sky Sports, Newcastle United have enquired about the availability of Atletico Madrid winger Gelson Martins in this January transfer window.

What’s the story?

Martins only joined the La Liga outfit in the summer, on a free transfer from Portuguese club Sporting. However, the 23-year-old has failed to establish himself in Diego Simeone’s team since then, and has made just eight league appearances so far this season, seven of which have come from the bench.

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Martins could already be set for pastures new, with Atletico potentially ready to allow him to leave the club on loan this month to join the Magpies. 

A goal boost

Martins would certainly be an excellent acquisition on the part of the Tyneside club. The 21-cap Portugal international may have struggled to have an impact at the Wanda Metropolitano, but he definitely has the capacity to shine at St James’ Park.

Rafa Benitez’s side currently lack consistent end product coming from the wings. Martins' return of 27 goals and 30 assists from his 140 Sporting appearances (per Transfermarkt) suggests that he could inject some much-needed extra goal threat into the Newcastle squad.

What's more, he also represents a cost effective, low risk option, if he can be acquired on a loan deal. With funds likely to be tight for Newcastle, Benitez must pounce upon any and every bargain that comes his way.

If Newcastle could land Martins this month, then that would represent a fantastic bit of business on the part of the Premier League strugglers.