Cristiano Ronaldo interest over but Newcastle United have World Cup star & West Ham kid on transfer radar

The transfer window has yet to open - however, rumours of Newcastle United transfers remain abundant. With the 2022 World Cup in Qatar ongoing, the Magpies are reportedly keeping their eyes on a few of its stars.

Among the players that Newcastle are, or at least have been, interested in signing include a controversial former Manchester United striker and a member of the Belgian squad at the World Cup. Additionally, the Magpies also reportedly have their eye on “one of the best prospects” at West Ham.

While all three players are merely rumoured to be joining Newcastle, they would all make intriguing additions to Newcastle’s squad. As the World Cup plays on, can Newcastle get a leg up on their rivals with a top signing?

Newcastle United reportedly interested in signing Cristiano Ronaldo

Rumours in Spain suggest that Newcastle United were interested in signing Cristiano Ronaldo on a free transfer after he was unceremoniously sacked by Manchester United earlier in the month, following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan. An article by Marca claimed that Ronaldo also had interest in moving to Tyneside.

However, this now looks unlikely, as several outlets (including Goal) are reporting that Ronaldo’s next club will most probably be Al Nassr. Reportedly, his contract at Al Nassr will be worth around 200 million euros per year.

Newcastle scouting Leandro Trossard at World Cup

Brighton’s Leandro Trossard could be on the radar of Newcastle’s scouting network, as reports claim that they are interested in signing the Belgian winger. An article in Chronicle Live suggests that Leandro Trossard is being looked at by the club.

Despite this, they also acknowledge that interest in the Brighton star is high and competition to secure his signature will be stiff. Trossard is Brighton’s top goal scorer in the Premier League this season, with seven goals to his name. He has featured in both of Belgium’s games at the World Cup so far, but has yet to score a goal or register an assist in Qatar.

Interest in West Ham youngster

Twenty-year-old Harrison Ashby could be headed to St. James’ Park in 2023, according to Claret and Hugh. Although the prospect’s contract at West Ham expires in the summer, he could move to Newcastle in January for a fee.

He was reportedly interested in joining Newcastle back in the summer transfer window of 2022, but this did not come to fruition. He may get a second chance to play for the Magpies in 2023, should the two teams agree terms.