Newcastle United and their new Saudi Arabian owners are dusting themselves down for what looks to be huge January window, with talks over three massive signings reportedly underway.
The Magpies remain rooted in the bottom three despite an encouraging display last time out against Manchester United. However, they remain with just one win to their name all season and are two points adrift of safety.
That said, supporters will remain optimistic that a successful January will yet see them pull build some momentum and climb the table. With their new, mega-wealthy owners on board, the Magpies certainly have the captial to buy their way out of trouble.
Indeed, various reports claim the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) are already in talks with three targets.
Top of their list of reported targets is Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele.
As per Bild, Dembele has demanded a new contract worth £43million a year to stay at Barcelona. That deal also includes significant bonuses if they win the Champions League or LaLiga.
However, with finances still tight at Barcelona, an agreement appears unlikely.
As such, a move to Tyneside could well earn him the kind of salary he’s craving. Indeed, The Sun reports Newcastle are preparing a ‘monster offer’ to tempt the winger to St James’ Park.
And with the player able to open negotiations from Saturday, it’s suggested hopes are growing he could be persuaded to sign.
The arrival of such a calibre of player would certainly excite supporters and give renewed belief on their survival prospects.
Ramsey also on Newcastle United agenda
And it seems the spending will not stop there with two other signings also planned in January.
Indeed, the Magpies are also reportedly closing in on the signing of Aaron Ramsey.
That’s after reports claimed Juventus are turning their back on Ramsey and his £400,000 a week wages.
Now both The Sun and Tuttosport claims talks over a move to Newcastle are well underway.
Both outlets claim Ramsey features high on Eddie Howe’s wishlist and that his return to the Premier League with Newcastle is gathering pace.
The Magpies are also trying to convince Roma into selling Jordan Veretout.
The French midfielder is a regular under Jose Mourinho and it was thought that persuading them to sell would prove tough.
However, Telefoot reports that a ‘sizeable offer’ is being readied for the midfielder, giving Roma plenty to think about.
And while they don’t want to sell, the lucrative approach will reportedly leave them with little option but to accept.
Howe talks Newcastle plan for January
Meanwhile, Howe admits he and his staff have identified players they want in January, but has not spoken to anyone about leaving the club next month.
“I’ve had none of those conversations with my players and I wouldn’t encourage them, either,” he said.
“We need everyone that’s here focused on the fight to stay in the league. Simple as that. I wouldn’t encourage anyone to look anywhere else.
“We have a small squad. We have a few injuries within the squad as well so everyone should be focused on getting in the team.”
On the subject of arrivals, Howe added: “We obviously have players that we are looking at and we’ve identified.
“Between myself, the coaching team and the recruitment team, we have a big body of people working on behalf of the football club to try and find a way to strengthen the squad.”
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