The latest transfer talk from Newcastle United as the Magpies prepare for the January transfer window.

Newcastle United reportedly dispatched a scout to monitor the progress of one of the Eredivisie’s most promising midfielders as the Magpies prepare for the January transfer window.

Strengthening their options in the middle of the park is believed to be on the agenda for the United recruitment team over the coming weeks and there have been links with several promising youngsters from across the continent. AZ Alkmaar’s highly-rated midfielder Kees Smit and Ligue 1 duo Lamine Camara and Kevin Danois, who play for Monaco and Auxerre respectively, have all been mentioned as possible targets.

However, a new name is believed to be on the Magpies radar after they were said to have shown an interest in Feyenoord star Luciano Valente. The once-capped Netherlands international only joined the Eredivisie giants from league rivals Groningen during the summer but has made a promising start to life at De Kuip Stadium with a number of impressive displays.

That is said to have prompted interest from Newcastle - although one Dutch football expert has claimed Feyenoord could consider extending his contract and handing the 22-year-old a pay rise in a bid to warn off any possible move to Tyneside.

Speaking after the young midfielder featured for 82 minutes in Feyenoord’s 2-1 win at Eredivisie rivals Telstar last month, commentator Jeroen Grueter told the NOS Football podcast: “I happened to speak to a key Newcastle United scout yesterday who was in Velsen-Zuid. We were chatting for a bit, and he said: ‘I wanted to see him with my own eyes.’ Of course, there’s no guarantee he’ll immediately take over in the Premier League.

“I do think he scores highly in many areas. It’s starting to get people’s attention how good he is and how well he’s performing. I think Feyenoord would be very wise to extend his contract as soon as possible and give him a suitable salary.”

What has Eddie Howe said about the January transfer window?

Newcastle United's English head coach Eddie Howe applauds fans on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on December 20, 2025. The game finished 2-2. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images

placeholder image — Newcastle United's English head coach Eddie Howe applauds fans on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on December 20, 2025. The game finished 2-2. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s draw with Chelsea, Howe said: "We are always looking to be opportunistic. If there is something there that everybody feels will benefit the club for the short and long-term, I think that is something we will look to do.

"Depending on what happens in the next few days and weeks. That obviously may change, there might have to be a need and a necessity to be active. I think we have to make that decision when it comes around. I don't think we can make that decision now. We don't want to recruit anybody to fix a short term need to create a long term problem. I think we will make decisions on what that injury situation looks like in the first week of January."

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