Newcastle United are now eyeing a move to sign a Premier League winner, amid reported fears that Sandro Tonali could still head for the exit door.
Howe: Too early to judge summer transfer window
For all their limitations when it comes to spending, Newcastle did catch a glimpse at a world in which welcoming big-money additions was once again possible in the summer.
They smashed their transfer record to welcome Nick Woltemade and also spent big to welcome Jacob Ramsey, Yoane Wissa and Anthony Elanga. But all have struggled at various points of the campaign. Just like that, the Premier League-record figure received through the sale of Alexander Isak was gone and the pressure is now mounting.
Nick Woltemade for Newcastle
Eddie Howe, however, has called for calm - urging fans not to judge his summer arrivals too earlier following a mixed start. He told reporters earlier this week: "For me, it’s too early to make strong conclusions from that transfer window. At this moment in time, I’d probably say let’s see where we are at the end of the season, and then even six months into next season too.
"I think you’ll have a clearer idea then because you can look back at Lewis Hall’s transfer and go, ‘Well that didn’t work initially’, but for me that was always a long-term signing.
"That’s also true of various other players we’ve signed through the years – Anthony Gordon also took time to become the player that he is now. Patience is needed, although it’s a rare commodity these days with transfers."
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The Foxes are now only outside of the relegation zone on goal difference.
One signing that has worked out is Tonali. The former AC Milan man has arguably become one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and has found himself on Arsenal's radar as a result.
Newcastle were even forced to shut rumours down about his future on deadline day, but that may not stop the Gunners from making their move in the summer. And that's when the Magpies could turn towards a Premier League winner.
Newcastle keeping close tabs on Curtis Jones
Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones-1
TeamTalk claim Newcastle are now keeping close tabs on Curtis Jones in case Tonali goes. Like the Italian, Jones was the subject of several rumours in the closing days of the January transfer window, as Inter Milan reportedly came calling not long after Tottenham Hotspur.
The Liverpool academy graduate currently has just over a year remaining on his current deal, and the report claims his 'composure on the ball, dribbling ability, and versatility across central areas' has led Newcastle to see him as the perfect fit for Howe's midfield.
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Jones is likely to have plenty of interest, too. Both Tottenham and Aston Villa have reportedly joined Newcastle in the early race to land his signature.
A progressive midfielder who can drop deep and play in an advanced role, Jones would be the ideal replacement for Tonali. Whether Liverpool boss Arne Slot makes things easy on that front remains to be seen, however.
The Dutchman, clearly a fan of the midfielder, dubbed him the "complete" midfielder last season as his side picked up the Premier League title.