A select round-up of the latest Magpies transfer news and gossip.
Newcastle United may have completed the double signing of Achraf Lazaar and Daryl Murphy over the weekend, but they are still looking for more additions, with multiple outlets including Sky Sports claiming that they are closing on a loan deal for Chelsea winger Christian Atsu.
The report claims that the deal could include an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season for the established Ghana international, who has previously had unsuccessful loan spells in England with Everton and Bournemouth.
Another man who could come in through the door at St. James’ Park before Wednesday is West Bromwich Albion winger Callum McManaman.
Tony Pulis said after Albion’s draw with Middlesbrough, as quoted by the Birmingham Mail: “I expect McManaman to leave. We’ll get our money back on him”, and the paper believes the Baggies have offered Newcastle first refusal.
However, the report also states the McManaman is likely to only be a back-up target if Benitez missed out on a loan deal for Atsu.
According to the Chronicle, Newcastle gave been made surprise late favourites by bookmakers to sign controversial former Manchester United and West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison.
The 23-year-old is currently at Serie A side Lazio but has fallen out of favour with head coach Stefano Pioli, who is thought to be unimpressed with his work ethic and attitude, a recurring criticism of the star.
Switching the focus to potential departures, Benitez has suggested that Yoan Gouffran will now only leave the club if they receive a “massive” offer for the winger.
Benitez had previously stated that Gouffran would be given another chance at the Magpies, and has impressed in three appearances in the Championship so far this season.
The Spanish boss said, as quoted by the Shields Gazette: “Now after playing three games, with three wins and him playing well, then I don’t see any change. The only change is if someone comes with massive money, then I will think about it.”
One player who does look set to finally leave the club, however, is forgotten striker Emmanuel Riviere.
Spanish outlet Diario de Navarra claim that Osasuna have reached an agreement with the Magpies to sign the 26-year-old, who has made just 16 league starts and scored one league goal in the two years since his £6 million move to Tyneside.
Finally, Newcastle may struggle to offload Cheick Tiote in the next few days as Turkish website ulusalkanal.com claim that the Ivorian has failed his Galatasaray medical as a result of problems with his meniscus, something which could potentially require surgery.
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