Newcastle Utd analysis: Five players Newcastle United should sign and sell in the January transfer window
The January transfer window has now been open for just over two weeks, and Newcastle United are yet to make any signings.
Eddie Howe’s side sit just one point outside the top four, whilst also having one foot in the Carabao Cup final after a 2-0 away win at the Emirates against Arsenal.
Transfer News Blitz writer Josh Kirtley looks at five potential ins and outs the Magpies could make in January to give Newcastle a boost for the remainder of the campaign.
SIGN, James Trafford
It is no secret that Newcastle have been long-term admirers of the Burnley shot-stopper, who has impressed with the Clarets in the Championship this season.
Trafford has been integral to the Lancashire club’s impressive defensive record in the Championship this season, with Burnley conceding just nine goals and keeping 16 clean sheets in the league.
The 22-year-old could be a great long-term investment for the Magpies – standing at six-foot-six-inches tall and possessing quality with the ball at his feet.
Whilst a January move will be unlikely, according to the Daily Mail a deal could be revisited in the summer after coming close to signing the Cumbrian last summer.
SELL, Miguel Almiron
The 30-year-old Paraguayan international has seemingly fallen out of favour this season with limited game time on the pitch, making just 12 appearances.
Newcastle also must sell players to sign players whilst working under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules (PSR), meaning a move would be best for both parties.
According to The Telegraph, Almiron is edging closer to leaving the North East, with clubs in Europe, Brazil and the United States all interested in his signature.
Almiron has been a great servant to the club, arriving in January 2019 from Atlanta United under Rafael Benitez, and going on to make over 200 appearances for the club.
SIGN, Tyler Dibling
Southampton’s 18-year-old starlet has multiple clubs chasing his signature after impressing in the Premier League for the Saints.
A right-sided attacker is certainly a position that Newcastle will be looking to strengthen, especially if Almiron moves on to another club in January or the summer.
Similar to Trafford, Dibling could be an investment for the long-term given his age and potential.
According to Ben Jacobs, Newcastle are joined in the race for Dibling by Manchester United, as both clubs believe that he has bags of potential.
Again, a January move seems unlikely, however, Dibling will certainly be on the radar for Newcastle and multiple clubs in the summer.
SELL, Lloyd Kelly
After only arriving at St James’ Park last summer on a free transfer, there is a potential January move on the cards for the 26-year-old defender.
Turkish giants Fenerbahçe have had a £6million bid rejected by Newcastle according to The Telegraph, with manager Jose Mourinho said to be the driving force behind the move.
The Telegraph also understands that Newcastle would be willing to listen to offers for Kell, who is behind Dan Burn and the recently returning Sven Botman, however, the Turkish club’s offer was far below the Magpies’ valuation.
A sale would represent pure profit regarding PSR, which could potentially tempt Newcastle into a move to allow spending in other areas of the squad.
However, if Kelly is to leave, Newcastle would only be left with three natural centre-backs who are currently fit – with Jamaal Lascelles still recovering from an ACL injury sustained last season.
SIGN, James McAtee
The talented young Englishman is said to be another potential name that the Magpies are monitoring.
Of course, due to the sheer quality of Manchester City’s squad, it may be difficult for McAtee to get regular first-team minutes for the Cityzens.
According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle are monitoring his situation with a rumoured price tag of £25million.
McAtee’s profile is something that would be unique in Newcastle’s midfield, given his creativity and dribbling ability.
A move may become more likely if Sean Longstaff departs the club, as it has also been reported by the Daily Mail that Newcastle are willing to listen to offers for the 27-year-old in January.
Due to the fee, a deal for McAtee in January may be unlikely but is something that could potentially gather movement in the summer.
Follow all the latest January window rumours and deals with Transfer News Blitz, and follow us on BlueSky as we continue to tell it like it is when it comes to transfer talk.
