Newcastle United could still complete major transfer of 253-game star amid West Ham interest

It has been quiet on the transfer front this month at Newcastle United, but there is one major move that could be completed between now and deadline day.

Once again, it appears that Newcastle United will end the winter transfer window without a senior signing. Having kept their powder dry during the 2024 and 2025 mid-season transfer windows, it was anticipated that they would strengthen this month, particularly as a defensive injury crisis emerged.

However, Eddie Howe has recently poured cold water on that theory, admitting after their defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday that he doesn’t anticipate conducting any major transfer business before the window closes on Monday: “There's no point in me thinking we need another type of player at this moment, because it's not going to happen,” Howe admitted.

“The next chance we'll have to change the squad really will be the summer. It's about getting the best out of the players we have, as I said on Friday. That's the case now.

“I don't think we played badly [against Aston Villa]. Certainly, around the goal we could have done better, of course. We've still created chances that on another day I think we score, but it wasn't to be.”

Newcastle United could complete major January transfer

If new arrivals on Tyneside are unlikely, then supporters will have to focus their attention on any players that could leave the club. One of those could be club captain Jamaal Lascelles.

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Lascelles hasn’t featured for the first-team since the end of September when he came on as a very late substitute during their defeat to Arsenal. Injury issues have affected him since that day and it is expected that should the club receive an acceptable offer for him, that he will be allowed to leave this month.

Lascelles, who is out of contract at the end of the season after quietly having it renewed last year, has courted interest from Turkey in recent months whilst West Ham have also been credited with an interest in him. The Hammers have enjoyed a resurgence in form lately and were comfortable 3-1 winners over Sunderland on Saturday.

Lascelles is currently Newcastle United’s longest-serving player having joined the club way back in 2014 before making his debut in black-and-white on 25 August 2015 in a victory over Northampton Town in the League Cup. Lascelles has since made over 250 appearances in all competitions for Newcastle United, wearing the captain’s armband during the vast majority of those.

However, this month could spell the end of his time on Tyneside. “There's a possibility that he could leave as well,” Howe said about the 32-year-old earlier this month. “Jamaal's been an incredible servant.

“He's a great leader for us behind the scenes. So let's wait and see what happens on his future.”

Newcastle United and the rest of the Premier League and EFL have until 7pm on Monday 2 February to conclude all of their January transfer business. The winter windows across the major leagues in Europe will also close on Monday night - although the window in Turkey will remain open until Friday 6 February.

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