The winter window is a notoriously difficult time for sides to try and get transfer business concluded however with clubs often reluctant to lose players midway through the campaign.
One way clubs can avoid this, however, is by signing players on pre-contract agreements. Premier League sides are able to negotiate a pre-contract with players playing outside of the UK from January 1. This pre-contract means players would join on a free transfer once their existing contract expires in the summer.
It is a good way for clubs, like Newcastle, to navigate Financial Fair Play constraints and with the modern game seeing more and more players opting to run down their contracts in order to gain a lucrative move abroad, there are plenty of talented players available for the Magpies to sign on a pre-contract in January.
9. James Rodriguez
Rodriguez’s career never took off as expected following his 2014 World Cup exploits. He had a disappointing spell at Everton and now plays his football at Greek side Olympiacos. Photo: ANDRES KUDACKI
10. Moussa Dembele
The former Celtic man has scored goals pretty much wherever he has been, however, a return of just two in twelve games this season will disappoint him. Dembele scored goals for fun with Fulham in the Championship and after a few years playing at the very highest level, there is no doubt he is a far better and more complete striker than when he left England over six years ago. Photo: SYLVAIN THOMAS
11. Ruslan Malinovskyi
Malinovskyi has been a major part of Atalanta’s rise under Gian Piero Gasperini but has been unable to replicate the form he showed over the last few seasons in this campaign. The Ukrainian is a great playmaker and someone that grabs goals and assists with regularity. Photo: Emilio Andreoli
12. Youssoufa Moukoko
Moukoko burst onto the scene at Dortmund as a teenager but hasn’t yet been able to nail down a regular starting spot at the club. Barcelona are reportedly leading the way for his signature. Photo: Boris Streubel