Newcastle United remain active in the final days of the January transfer window as they continue efforts to sign a defender, according to a report by the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope.
Hope reported that Newcastle
are “still working in the hope of bringing in a defender during the remaining days of the window,” with Eddie Howe keen to strengthen a depleted backline.
The reporter wrote that Howe would “ideally like to bolster a backline that is without Tino Livramento and Fabian Schar because of injury,” but added that “viable options are in short supply.”
Hope reported that the club indeed explored recalling Matt Targett from his Middlesbrough loan but that idea was “shelved,” with Newcastle “respecting the player’s wishes to remain on Teesside.”
According to Hope, Newcastle’s primary focus remains centre back, with Schar out until April at least.
“Meetings have taken place this week, some of them in Paris,” Hope wrote, adding there has been “a slight upturn in the hopes of a deal happening before Monday’s deadline.”
The chances of a signing are now being rated “50–50 by some,” Hope wrote, noting the presence of Ross Wilson and Andy Howe in Paris.
The report said Newcastle are working with “a pot of around £20–25m,” stressing that any deal must be “right” and for a long-term option.
Hope listed several defenders being monitored, including Odilon Kossounou, Honest Ahanor, Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Tiago Gabriel, but wrote that none are currently close.
Hope added that Jamaal Lascelles “has been told he can go if he finds a club,” while Joe Willock, Emil Krafth, Kieran Trippier and Will Osula are all expected to remain unless significant offers arrive.
