Newcastle United are in the market for quality January reinforcements, and Eddie Howe may now be set to rival Unai Emery for a former Barcelona star.
Newcastle set to make inroads for January signings
The Magpies are still in the hunt across four separate competitions under Howe. Nevertheless, the Premier League will be their immediate priority, especially given the fact they are well in contention for a continental qualification slot despite a mixed campaign.
Speaking before his side took on Leeds, the former Bournemouth boss indicated in his pre-match press conference that he has held internal talks about potential January arrivals, but there is nothing deemed to be too far down the line at this point.
Eddie-Howe
He said: "There's only been very loose discussions over the transfer window as well because we're in the middle of a really busy spell of games. I think we're all aware - Ross (Wilson) included - that our injury situation will dictate what happens in the market."
Reinforcing in the full-back areas appears to be on the agenda for Howe, and Newcastle have identified Brentford defender Michael Kayode as a January target amid Kieran Tripper and Tino Livramento's frequent injury issues.
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Newcastle United could pick up their next Elliot Anderson this January if they successfully land one of their top targets.
After coming close to landing him in the summer, the Geordies could also make a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Plates are beginning to spin in the transfer window, and it remains to be seen how many players Howe will identify to deepen his squad, though if reports are to be believed, he could land his latest target at a financially advantageous rate.
Newcastle offered chance to sign Oscar Mingueza
According to Mailsport, Newcastle have been offered the chance to sign Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza, and he has also been pitched to Aston Villa and West Ham United as a market opportunity.
Valued at around the £8 million mark due to his contract being set to expire in the summer, Emery retains a known admiration for the former Barcelona man, as detailed by Fabrizio Romano after he held talks over a move to the Midlands-based outfit.
In the case of Newcastle, Mingueza is a versatile presence who can feature in either full-back position or further up on the flanks, proving his worth with a goal and three assists in 21 appearances this term.
Now set for a new challenge, he would either be attainable at a modest January fee or even on a free transfer this summer. However, gambling on a player of his talent still being available in six months time is a dangerous game to play.