Newcastle United have already begun assembling a defined shortlist for the January and summer transfer windows, with several names discussed internally as the club continues their long-term squad build.
has doubled down on the reports linking AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit to Newcastle as the Magpies’ standout target, with NUFC having already enquired about the 19-year-old during the summer.AZ refused to sell then, but an “aggressive mid-season bid” is viewed as the club’s
best chance—and a realistic one—of landing a player admired across Europe and tracked by multiple elite sides.
Further midfield options remain under consideration. Waugh states that Monaco’s Lamine Camara, Valencia’s Javi Guerra and Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss “have also previously featured during internal conversations,” reflecting Newcastle’s attempts to identify high-upside additions in central areas.
Goalkeeper remains another monitored position. James Trafford was pursued for 18 months before Manchester City executed their buy-back clause in July, and while Waugh says reports of renewed contact are “premature,” Trafford “was identified as Pope’s long-term successor and is still rated.”
Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel is also liked by recruitment staff as they plan a future reshaping of the position.
In attack, Porto striker Samu Aghehowa has drawn interest, though Waugh notes his price may be prohibitive. Wolves forward Jorgen Strand Larsen received two Newcastle bids last summer, but Yoane Wissa’s arrival means a return for the Norwegian “is less likely.”
Defensively, the club want younger centre-backs capable of challenging their current starters, with Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini among those admired as they continue to refresh the squad profile.
