The January transfer window is drawing ever closer, and Newcastle United will be looking to add new faces to secure promotion and build for the future…
Rafael Benitez’s side appear to be coasting towards promotion back to the Premier League, as they currently sit top of the Championship table after eight wins in their last ten league games.
Third placed Reading are nine points behind the Magpies, meaning that Benitez’s side are hot favourites to win promotion – but January will still be important.
Fans will hope to see new faces come in to help Newcastle get over the line, but also with a view to success in the future, whilst keeping some of the club’s key players will also be a priority for Benitez’s men.
Newcastle’s Jamaal Lascelles looks dejected
With that in mind, here is a five-point plan for Newcastle’s January transfer window…
Keep Jamaal Lascelles
A key part of Newcastle’s success this season has been defender Lascelles, who has really come into his own in 2016. From impressing towards the end of last season to being the Magpies’ star centre back this term, captain Lascelles has become the defensive leader that Newcastle have lacked in recent years. Unsurprisingly, the 23-year-old’s performances have triggered interest, with The Sun claiming that Chelsea are keen on the former Nottingham Forest defender, and the Shields Gazette reporting that Liverpool are also interested. Newcastle have finally found a defender they can depend on, and they must fend off Premier League interest and keep hold of their star centre back in January.
Newcastle United’s Christian Atsu in action with Blackburn Rovers’ Ben Marshall
Attempt to sign Christian Atsu
The only player currently on loan at St. James’ Park is winger Atsu, who has scored three goals this season despite only starting five Championship games. The Ghanaian international, 24, has impressed with his pace and direction out wide, and it’s fairly clear that he has no future at parent club Chelsea, given that he’s yet to even appear for the club since signing from Porto in 2013. After loan spells at Vitesse Arnhem, Everton, Bournemouth and Malaga, Atsu needs to settle down, and Newcastle presents a great chance for him to fulfil his potential. Manager Benitez recently told The Chronicle that it’s too early to make a decision on Atsu, but Newcastle must at least explore a permanent move for the wide man, given how Chelsea are unlikely to put up too much resistance.
Make a decision on Cheick Tiote
Linked with a move away from Newcastle for some time now, Tiote is entering the final months of his contract, and it’s time for Newcastle to make a decision on the Ivorian’s future. Now 30, the 2010 arrival from FC Twente has played just 16 minutes of action this season, and appears to have little future at St. James’ Park. If Benitez wants to keep the midfielder, then January is the time to start contract talks – but if, as expected, Benitez has no plans for Tiote, then January would give Newcastle a chance to get some money for him before he can leave for nothing in the summer.
Agree new deals with Anita and Gouffran
Similarly, utility man Vurnon Anita and winger Yoan Gouffran are also out of contract at the end of the season, but their prospects of winning new deals are much brighter than Tiote’s. Anita has carved out an important role in the Newcastle side as Bentiez’s first-choice right back, starting 14 Championship games and grabbing one assist. The former Ajax man, 27, has great versatility given that he can also play in midfield, and he should be given a new deal in January as a reward for his displays this term. Meanwhile, winger Gouffran is playing his best football since his 2013 move from Bordeaux, as he’s grabbed four goals and three assists in 18 Championship appearances. The 30-year-old hasn’t been the most consistent performer, but his displays this term mean that he deserves another chance to impress in the Premier League with Newcastle, providing that Benitez’s men do win promotion.
Sign another holding midfielder
Isaac Hayden has impressed for Newcastle since his summer move from Arsenal, but the question marks over Tiote mean that Benitez should look to bring in another midfielder. Jonjo Shelvey’s suspension has left Newcastle a little short, and recent speculation has suggested that Newcastle are in the market for a new holding midfielder. The Chronicle claimed that the Magpies are keen on Genk ace Wilfried Ndidi, who can play in holding midfield and at centre back. That kind of versatility would come in handy for Newcastle and Benitez, and whilst Ndidi could be joining Leicester City, he fits the profile that Newcastle should look for to replace Tiote.
What would you like to see Newcastle United do in January?
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