Newcastle, Spurs and Arsenal linked with defender as European giants reduce asking price

Eddie Howe has already given a mixed response to questions over Newcastle United’s desire to add to their squad during the January transfer window.

After enduring a challenging summer that was dictated by attempts to avoid falling foul of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations, there was some hope the Magpies may be able to boost their squad during the first month of the new year and help Howe in his bid to bring European football back to St James Park after a one-year absence.

When quizzed by Magpies legend Shay Given over United’s possible dealings in the January market, Howe told Amazon Sport: “If we can strengthen [in January], of course that would be our preference. You can never stand still in the game. The game evolves too quickly. We want to stay at the very top of that evolving feeling. But you can only do it if we can do it (spend). And if we can’t, we have to get the best out of the squad, which is what we’re doing.”

Newcastle are believed to have prioritised the signing of a right-sided attacking player as speculation over Miguel Almiron’s future on Tyneside continues to come under question. The Paraguayan winger has been strongly linked with moves to clubs in South America and the Saudi Pro League and the Magpies would be open to offers for the former Atlanta United man. A striker would also be a welcome addition to Howe’s ranks as Callum Wilson remains on the sidelines until at least February after picking up a hamstring injury.

Newcastle are also facing a refresh of their defensive options with Dan Burn, Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles all now over 30-years-old - and the latter pair of that trio now entering the final six months of their deals at St James Park. The Magpies are believed to have retained their interest in Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi after being unable to tempt their Premier League rivals into the sale of the England defender. More cost-effective signings are also being considered with Lens youngster Abdukodir Khusanov and Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez both said to have been monitored by Magpies recruitment staff.

However, the most recent reports have suggested Newcastle are ready to revisit their interest in one high-profile target that was initially linked with a move to Tyneside in the aftermath of the PIF-led takeover in October 2021. Then of Serie A giants Inter, centre-back Milan Skriniar was believed to be on the Magpies list of targets before joining Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer during the summer of 2023. The Slovakian international has featured 37 times for the Ligue 1 champions but CaughtOffside have claimed Newcastle, Spurs, Arsenal, Aston Villa and a plethora of big clubs from around Europe are ready to battle for his signature after it was suggested PSG would accept as little as £21m for the 29-year-old.