Newcastle United transfer news: Enquiries made for Toon target, Magpies unwilling to sell big name
Tuesday’s defeat to bottom side Sheffield United was a real low point in their campaign, and Steve Bruce's frank appraisal of the situation on Tyneside would seemingly suggest that the manager is fully aware of how desperately things need to change.
There’s no better time to enact that change than during a transfer window, but the Magpies could be facing an uphill battle to get their business done this month.
Funds are expected to be incredibly tight at St. James’ Park, and the Toon Army may have to resort to utilising the loan market to bolster their ranks.
One man who has been touted as a potential target is Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury, and Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers has been discussing his short term future with the former champions.
He told Sky Sports: “We are certainly not in a rush to move Hamza out but we respect that we have some players who are a bit further away from playing and may want to get some game time.
“I understand that and I want to support and help that, but I also have to look after the squad and make sure I have the right bodies here to do the job and finish what will be a busy second part of the season for us.
“There have been enquiries for Hamza but, as I say, we are not in any big rush at the moment until we see where the squad is going to be at.”
The 23-year-old has made just three appearances in the Premier League this season, but was a regular during the Foxes’ Europa League group stage campaign, appearing in all six matches.
Elsewhere, Newcastle’s frugal approach in the transfer window has been emphasised by a report from The Athletic, who suggest that the Toon Army would rather let Dwight Gayle leave for free when his contract expires at the end of the season rather than sell him this month.
The implication is that the Magpies do not feel they have the necessary funds to bring in a replacement for the forward, who has scored once in four top flight appearances this term.
Click and scroll through the rest of our Premier League transfer round-up below:
1. Phillips touts Leeds interest in King
Former England striker Kevin Phillips has claimed that Leeds United would definitely be interested in signing Bournemouth forward Josh King this month. The pundit said: “100%, Leeds would be interested. If he is made available a lot of teams will be looking at him. Josh King would be a massive addition for Leeds." (Football Insider) (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) Photo: Naomi Baker
2. Bent backs Kenny to Burnley
Darren Bent has thrown his backing behind Burnley's potential move for Everton full-back Jonjoe Kenny. The defender has emerged as a potential target for the Clarets, and the pundit has argued that it could be deal that suits all parties. (Football Insider) (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Livesey
3. Newcastle unwilling to sell Gayle
Newcastle United would rather lose Dwight Gayle for nothing when his contract expires in the summer than sell him in the remainder of the transfer window. (The Athletic) (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) Photo: Laurence Griffiths
4. Karbownik says goodbye to Warsaw
Midfielder Michal Karbownik is expected to return to Brighton this month, and has already said goodbye to loan club Legia Warsaw. (Przeglad Sportowy) (Photo by JANEK SKARZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: JANEK SKARZYNSKI