Eddie Howe makes no apologies for Newcastle’s no-nonsense approach to winning
Newcastle United will be unable to sign Ruben Neves to replace Sandro Tonali in January if they are banned from doing so by their Premier League rivals. Shareholders will vote later this month on whether to block loan signings between clubs with the same owners, which would stop the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia from brokering deals between Newcastle and Al-Hilal.
Express Sport takes a look at five alternative targets for Newcastle if they are unable to land Neves at the turn of the year…
Kalvin Phillips
Kalvin Phillips could be a realistic option for the Magpies after failing to break into Manchester City’s starting line-up over the last two seasons. He will be desperate to play regular football as he looks to nail down an England place ahead of next summer’s Euros and it would make sense for him to join Newcastle in order to assume a more prominent role.
The Magpies have already been credited with an interest in Phillips, who was linked with a move to St James’ Park during the summer but ended up staying at City. Time is running out for him to make the grade at the Etihad Stadium and it seems as though a January switch to Newcastle would be a logical solution for all parties.
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Andre
Andre has been linked with several Premier League clubs in recent weeks after turning heads with his impressive performances for Fluminense. Liverpool were said to have been monitoring the 22-year-old’s progress over the summer and have been widely tipped to firm up their reported interest in January.
Arsenal have also been linked with a potential move for Andre, while Fulham are thought to be mulling over a bid of their own after joining his long list of admirers. However, Newcastle could have a great chance of jumping ahead of their rivals in the battle for his signature thanks to their lucrative financial backing.
Scott McTominay
Newcastle could do far worse than to pursue a move for Scott McTominay, who has only started five league games for Manchester United so far this season. The 26-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance when given the chance to shine but is yet to establish himself as a sure-fire starter and would almost certainly play a bigger role at Newcastle.
However, it remains to be seen whether the Magpies would be able to convince McTominay to leave United, where he is tied down until the summer of 2025. He is still a valuable option for Erik ten Hag in the middle of the park, especially after Casemiro was ruled out until after Christmas with a long-term hamstring injury.
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Martin Zubimendi
Martin Zubimendi is another player to have been linked with a move to the Premier League after impressing at Real Sociedad over the course of this season. Arsenal are widely reported to be keen on snapping him up, while Bayern Munich have also been credited with a passing interest in the 24-year-old’s signature.
Newcastle are yet to be mentioned in connection with Zubimendi but might be tempted to join the race if he continues to turn heads between now and the start of January. Any move will cost them a pretty penny, though, with the midfielder believed to have a release clause of around £51million.
Joao Palhinha
Martin Zubimendi is another player to have been linked with a move to the Premier League after impressing at Real Sociedad over the course of this season. Arsenal are widely reported to be keen on snapping him up, while Bayern Munich have also been credited with a passing interest in the 24-year-old’s signature.
Newcastle are yet to be mentioned in connection with Zubimendi but might be tempted to join the race if he continues to turn heads between now and the start of January. Any move will cost them a pretty penny, though, with the midfielder believed to have a release clause of around £51million.
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