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NEWCASTLE is preparing for a defensive revamp as Eddie Howe gears up to pursue a key target.
The Toon anticipates a busy January, especially with several players currently sidelined, leaving Howe’s squad increasingly depleted.
Eddie Howe may be compelled to recruit in January due to injury challengesCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Newcastle has been keeping an eye on Dayann Methalie for quite some timeCredit: Getty
The team also has several defensive players entering the final six months of their current contracts.
This list includes seasoned players Fabian Schar, Kieran Trippier, and Emil Krafth.
Former star Trippier is not anticipated to sign a new contract on Tyneside, yet he remains a vital member of the squad and is expected to return from a hamstring injury in the coming weeks.
Howe has been tracking Toulouse’s 19-year-old talent, Dayann Methalie, for an extended period, although the head coach of the French club recently revealed that Methalie underwent surgery after enduring pain for over a year.
Manager Carles Martinez Novell stated earlier this week: “He had been in pain for more than a year, so we opted to take advantage of his suspension to perform the surgery now.
“It’s not severe, but we are uncertain about his exact return date. He will be sidelined for several weeks.
He is currently on loan at Middlesbrough and has been a consistent presence in their lineup.
Boro is soaring high in the top two as they aim to return to the Premier League.
One option for Newcastle could be to recall him from his loan, but Howe insists there has been no discussion regarding that yet.
He commented: “Nothing at this point. Let him focus on his football, and we will have those conversations if and when necessary.”
January will mark the first transfer window for new sporting director Ross Wilson since his arrival in September, and the Toon does have funds available after the .
However, SunSport understands that Newcastle is only willing to spend if a deal aligns with their interests, rather than indiscriminately investing in any player.
A is deemed unlikely, especially considering his new salary since his transfer to the Etihad.
Newcastle will play NINE times in a busy January schedule, competing across four different tournaments.
In addition to their Premier League matches, the Carabao Cup is set to commence for the top teams.
They will also face in a two-legged semi-final as they seek to defend the Carabao Cup this season.
Moreover, they are also in contention for the knockout stages of the as they strive for a top-eight finish, which would grant them direct entry into the last 16, with Atletico Madrid just two points ahead and two matches remaining.
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