Five transfer deals and five contract decisions Newcastle United could consider in January

There are some big decisions lying in wait in the new year for Newcastle United.
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Newcastle United’s sole focus at the moment is preparing for their return to Premier League action this weekend.

Bournemouth will make the long trip to Tyneside as Eddie Howe gets set to face his former club for the first time in his managerial career.

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The Magpies boss become synonomous with the Cherries as he led them from League Two to the Premier League inside a six-year period and helped the South Coast club remain in the top flight for five seasons before they were relegated in 2020.

Howe will be focused on getting his Magpies squad prepared for their attempts to push towards a top eight place - but he could be forgiven for looking further ahead with a number of big decisions to be made in the new year.

United’s recruitment team continue to work hard and assess their options ahead of the opening of the January transfer window and the Magpies will be represented at games around Europe over the coming months.

There are also a number of current players that will enter the final six months of their contracts after the turn of the year and that will enable them to open negotiations over a pre-contract agreement with clubs in Europe.

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NewcastleWorld takes a look at the deals the Magpies could revisit in January and the contract decisions they will face after the festive period.

James Maddison - Leicester City

Leicester City midfielder James Maddison is wanted by Newcastle United. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)Leicester City midfielder James Maddison is wanted by Newcastle United. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Leicester City midfielder James Maddison is wanted by Newcastle United. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

The Magpies reportedly made three offers for the Foxes star during the summer but were rebuffed in their efforts to land the former Norwich City midfielder.

As it stands, Maddison still has two years remaining on his current deal at the King Power Stadium and Brendan Rodgers is said to be keen to retain his services.

But United could make another attempt to tempt Maddison to Tyneside in January and will hope their positive relationship with the CAA Base agency - who also represent Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood - can help them acheive their aim.

Youri Tielemans - Leicester City

Tielemans continues to be linked with ArsenalTielemans continues to be linked with Arsenal
Tielemans continues to be linked with Arsenal
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Another Leicester City star and one that could be high in-demand come January.

Belgium international Tielemans will enter the final six months of his current contract in the new year and that could open up the possibility of him negotiating a summer free transfer to a club on the continent.

However, Newcastle will hope it would offer them a chance of secure a cut-price move with the Foxes just months away from losing a prize asset on a free transfer.

Jack Harrison - Leeds United

Jack Harrison was a target for Newcastle United this summer.  (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Jack Harrison was a target for Newcastle United this summer.  (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Jack Harrison was a target for Newcastle United this summer. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Harrison Ashby - West Ham United

Harrison Ashby playing for West Ham United. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)Harrison Ashby playing for West Ham United. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Harrison Ashby playing for West Ham United. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

A confirmed target during the latter stages of the summer transfer window, the Hammers youngster was viewed as a possible replacement for long-term injury victim Emil Krafth.

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A deal was in the offing until injuries within the West Ham squad forced David Moyes to retain Ashby’s services and there has been talk of a new deal for the right-back.

That deal is yet to be agreed and that leaves the possibility of a January move very much open.

Joao Pedro - Watford

Ciaran Clark in action for Sheffield United (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)Ciaran Clark in action for Sheffield United (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Ciaran Clark in action for Sheffield United (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

The Brazilian youngster was the subject of several bids from Newcastle believed to be worth between £20million and £30million as the transfer window entered its final weeks.

Watford held firm and kept hold of the talented forward, who rewarded them by reiterating his determination to lead them back to the Premier League.

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Newcastle will maintain a watching brief on the progression of both club and player as they consider another attempt to persuade the Hornets to part company with Pedro.

Paul Dummett

It was confirmed the long-serving Geordie defender had penned a new one-year deal in May and Dummett remains an influential member of the dressing room at St James Park.

The Magpies stalwart has made one appearance so far this season as he featured for the entire 90 minutes of the hard-fought Carabao Cup win at Tranmere Rovers.

But with competition at both left-back and centre-back, United could be left with a big decision to make over the long-term future of one of their longest serving players come the new year.

Jonjo Shelvey

Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
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Shelvey remains on the sidelines until the festive period after suffering an injury in the pre-season friendly defeat at Benfica - but he has revealed he is close to triggering an automatic extension of his current contract, which is set to come to an end next summer.

The 30-year-old has stated he is just three appearances away from securing a 12-month extension and that leaves Eddie Howe with a big decision when he returns to fitness. United are reportedly keen to add to their midfield ranks over the next two windows and that means it could be crunch time for Shelvey’s long-term future on Tyneside.

Matt Ritchie

Matt Ritchie didn’t manage to get off the bench against Manchester City last weekend (Image: Getty Images)Matt Ritchie didn’t manage to get off the bench against Manchester City last weekend (Image: Getty Images)
Matt Ritchie didn’t manage to get off the bench against Manchester City last weekend (Image: Getty Images)

Another of United’s stalwarts could be approaching the end of his stay on Tyneside. Matt Ritchie has been a valuable servent under Rafa Benitez, Steve Bruce and Eddie Howe since he joined United in the summer of 2016 but is now appraoching the final months of his current deal.

A return to the South Coast has been suggested and that could mean an earlier than expected departure from Newcastle in January. If and when he does go, it will be with the well wishes of Magpies supporters.

Mark Gillespie

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Currently third choice goalkeeper at St James Park following the injury to Karl Darlow, Gillespie has made just three senior appearances since joining the Magpies in the summer of 2020.

The recent signing of Loris Karius means the former Motherwell stopper will remain as third choice as he enters the final six months of his current deal. An extension seems unlikely at this point in time.

Loris Karius

Loris Karius has joined Newcastle United.Loris Karius has joined Newcastle United.
Loris Karius has joined Newcastle United.

The former Liverpool keeper joined United on a short-term deal late last week and he will act as cover for Nick Pope during Karl Darlow’s time on the sidelines.

Darlow is likely to return to full fitness early in the new year but is said to be keen on secure regular first-team football and that could mean a move away from United.

Should a move come to fruition, Karius could get a chance to extend his time at St James Park.