Newcastle United may be forced to work with their hands tied behind their backs over the January transfer window.
After an underwhelming summer, there is a growing expectation that Newcastle will complete some business over the winter to make some much-needed additions to Eddie Howe’s squad.
However, the dreaded Profit and Sustainability Rules threaten to ruin Newcastle’s plans with the Magpies still needing to raise funds through sales.
A right-sided winger is Newcastle’s top priority over January and sporting director Paul Mitchell already has some targets in mind.
Newcastle have been linked to Antoine Semenyo following his bright start to the season while Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo is Newcastle’s ‘dream’ signing.
Newcastle United sporting director Paul Mitchell during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Newcastle United FC at Stamford Bridge on ...
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Newcastle want to sign a winger in January
There have been mixed reports about Newcastle’s transfer budget heading into the January window.
It has been suggested that Mitchell can spend £70m in January, while others claim Newcastle have no money to spend on a big-name winger.
According to iNews, Newcastle intend to make signings if possible but Mitchell has told club chiefs that they need to start trading more effectively to put themselves in position to do “big business”.
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Semenyo is certainly on Newcastle’s radar, as is Mbeumo, but there is a growing concern that domestic targets will put a huge dent in the transfer budget.
Therefore, initial transfer meetings at Newcastle have focused on potential overseas targets, including targets under the age of 21.
A big-money move for a winger only seems likely if Newcastle complete a sale, and it seems they have a few options.
Newcastle could sell Harvey Barnes to fund January spending
As per the same report, Newcastle are open to offers for as many as five first-team players.
Miguel Almiron is allowed to leave in January after his summer exit collapsed, while Martin Dubravka is also free to leave.
Newcastle are also prepared to contemplate offers for stars on the fringe of the first team, including Harvey Barnes.
Barnes has made 15 appearances for Newcastle this season but has been forced into a substitute role with only 742 minutes played across all competitions.
Amid the club’s ongoing goal crisis, Barnes remains Newcastle’s joint-top scorer this season with four goals – level with Alexander Isak.
READ MORE: Scouts are watching ‘outstanding’ Newcastle player nearing international call-up
Remarkably, Barnes is also Newcastle’s most creative player with the joint-most big chances created this season (3).
It would be incredibly harsh for Barnes to be put on the chopping block in January without being given a real run as a starter.
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