How Newcastle could look after January with FIVE signings including David de Gea following Nick Pope injury blow
NEWCASTLE could sign FIVE players this January with a new goalkeeper high-priority.
Current No1 Nick Pope has suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder and there are fears he could miss the rest of the season.
Eddie Howe is set to rely on Martin Dubravka between the sticks until the January transfer window opens.
But with backing from mega-rich Saudi owners, Newcastle could splash the cash again with several players on their radar.
Extra numbers are needed at St James’ Park amid an injury crisis that sees ten first-team players in the treatment room.
And the fixtures are coming thick and fast with the Toon still going strong in four competitions.
They are eyeing a second successive top four finish in the league, remain in the Carabao Cup and face a derby against bitter rivals Sunderland in the third round of the FA Cup.
Meanwhile, they hope to be in the Champions League, or at least Europa League at the turn of the year.
Both David De Gea and Aaron Ramsdale have both been linked with replacing Pope.
The ex-Manchester United stopper is still a free agent after ending his 12-year stay at Old Trafford.
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Speculation suggests Newcastle will consider making De Gea an offer if Dubravka fails to impress in December.
Reports also claim that Ramsdale could be keen on leaving Arsenal after losing the No1 spot to David Raya.
The Gunners do not want to let him go in January, but England boss Gareth Southgate has already stressed his place in the Euros squad could be in jeopardy if he’s not playing regularly.
Further up the pitch, Ruben Neves looks set to join the Magpies on loan.
Premier League clubs failed to ban sides signing players from teams they share owners with.
And it makes Neves’ move to Newcastle straightforward as he is at fellow PIF-owned club Al-Hilal.
Another option to allow for rotation in midfield amid Sandro Tonali’s ten-month ban is Manchester City outcast Kalvin Phillips.
With the Euros on the horizon, he could want to leave the Etihad as he has only played 89 Prem minutes this season.
But Juventus are supposedly ahead of Newcastle in the race to sign him.
With Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy both injured, the club may also want a new winger to improve squad depth.
Reports from Spain claim the club could make a £35million bid for Ferran Torres.
The Barcelona star could be sold amid the Catalan giants’ financial difficulties.
He could compete with Miguel Almiron and the on fire Anthony Gordon, who has scored six goals and three assists this season.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have long-term interest in PSG striker Hugo Ekitike.
A loan deal has been proposed in January although the French club would rather sell the 21-year-old permanently with him surplus to requirements in Paris.
Newcastle’s interest in Ekitike dates back to 2022 and he has been linked with other Prem clubs like West Ham.