Newcastle United transfers and takeover news: Magpies set to take financial hit on fringe player plus FIFA 20 ratings, Bilic on Gayle & more

Teammates look on as Newcastle's goalkeeper Karl Darlow (R) fails to stop a goal by Wolverhampton's Diogo Jota (not pictured) during the 2019 Premier League Asia Trophy football tournament in Nanjing, in China's Jiangsu province on July 17, 2019. (Photo by HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP) (Photo credit should read HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP/Getty Images)

According to Football Insider, the Magpies rejected advances from Leeds United in the summer – with the Championship outfit looking to tie down a permanent deal for the former Nottingham Forest keeper.

But United were keen not to lose Darlow and hung on to the player, who has not been a regular since the Championship promotion season, to play second fiddle to No.1 Martin Dubravka.

Darlow’s current United deal runs out in the summer, and according to the report Newcastle’s hierarchy are not concerned about losing the player on a free transfer.

Fellow goalkeeper Rob Elliot remains on United’s books, although is also out of contract in June, as well as Freddie Woodman.

Meanwhile, West Brom are open to the idea of a move for another striker in January – with Newcastle United’s Dwight Gayle remaining on their transfer shortlist.

The Championship outfit failed with a late bid to land the frontman in the summer, with United head coach Steve Bruce keen to hang on to 28-year-old, who turns 29 next month.

FULL STORY: Slaven Bilic reveals West Brom's January transfer plans amid continued links to Newcastle United's Dwight Gayle

On the transfer front, it may seem like the summer is not even over yet – but the January transfer window is only 113 days away.

Here’s a round-up of NINE players United could look to sign when the window reopens.

FULL STORY: The NINE players Newcastle United could target in January – including TWO Championship stars and a Czech Republic international

Meanwhile, Les Ferdinand has been having his say on Steve Bruce at Newcastle – his comments make for interesting reading.

FULL STORY: Former Newcastle United hero reveals what he thinks Steve Bruce needs to do to win hearts and minds on Tyneside

And finally, for all the gamers out there – the FIFA 20 player ratings have been leaked.

Who is Newcastle best player?

FULL STORY: Revealed! The FIFA 20 ratings for EVERY Newcastle United player