NEWCASTLE are set for a defensive overhaul as Eddie Howe gets ready to move for a top target.
The Toon are braced for a jam-packed January with Tino Livramento among a number of players still in the treatment room, and Howe’s squad is looking increasingly thin.
The St James’ Park outfit also have a number of defensive players heading into the final six months of current contracts.
That list includes experienced duo Fabian Schar and Kieran Tripper as well as Emil Krafth.
Former England star Trippier is not expected to sign a new deal on Tyneside, but still remains an important member of the squad and is due to return from a hamstring injury in the coming weeks.
Howe has been monitoring Toulouse kid Dayann Methalie, 19, for some time, though the French club’s head coach revealed he has undergone surgery after playing through pain for over a YEAR.
Manager Carles Martinez Novell said earlier this week: “He’d been in pain for over a year, so we decided to take advantage of his suspension to operate now.
“It’s not serious, but we don’t know exactly when he’ll be back. He’ll be out for several weeks.
Matt Targett is currently out on loan at Middlesbrough and has been a regular in their side.
SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN
Boro are flying high in the top two as they look to make a return to the Premier League.
An option for Newcastle could be to bring him back from his loan but Howe insists there has been no talk on that so far.
From The Sports Desk – brought to you by Tote
From The Sports Desk – brought to you by Tote – brings SunSport readers closer to the very latest and biggest news as it happens!
The Sun’s brightest and best reporters will reveal exclusive insights from the Premier League and beyond, plus the latest transfer rumours and gossip.
They will also bring you the biggest breaking stories before you can hear them anywhere else.
GET £40 IN FREE BETS WITH TOTE*
*New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on a selected game within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.
LATEST NEWS
YOUTUBE
Follow every From The Sports Desk episode with our YouTube playlist
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the betting offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
He said: “Nothing at this stage. Let him concentrate on his football, we’ll have those conversations if and when we need to.”
January will be new sporting director Ross Wilson’s first transfer window since arriving in September, and the Toon do have funds at their disposal after the £130million summer sale of Alexander Isak.
However, SunSport understands the Toon are only prepared to spend if a deal suits them, rather than throwing money at anything and anyone.
A move for Man City star James Trafford is considered unlikely, particularly given his new wages since moving to the Etihad.
Newcastle will play NINE times in a hectic January schedule, with games in four different competitions.
Not only do they play in the Premier League but the FA Cup gets underway for the big hitters.
They also face Manchester City in a two-legged semi-final as they look to defend the Carabao Cup this term.
There is also the small matter of the Champions League as they bid for the knockout stages.
A top eight finish and direct entry into the last 16 remains on the cards with Atletico Madrid sitting just two points ahead with two fixtures to go.
TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: FOLLOW ALL THE LATEST FROM THE JANUARY WINDOW
