Newcastle United turn their attention to former Premier League player with 161 appearances for Chelsea

Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup journey continues with yet another difficult test away to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The Magpies recorded an emphatic 4-1 win in front of the St James’ Park faithful when the teams last met in November. However, they have had less fortune away from home in recent weeks and have only managed one away victory in all competitions since beating Sheffield United 8-0 back in September.

All eyes for this game are likely to be on youngster Lewis Miley. The 17-year-old registered his first assist against Chelsea last month and has since become the Magpies youngest ever goalscorer with the opener against Fulham.

His form has taken some of the pressure away from Newcastle’s pursuit of a midfielder, according to the Chronicle and the latest reports from Italy suggest that long-term target Kalvin Phillips is likely to make the switch to Turin to join Juventus. Reports from Team Talk suggest that Newcastle are now looking to bolster a different area of the pitch and the Magpies have turned their attention to a familiar face from tonight’s opponents in Andreas Christensen.

The Danish international currently plays his football at Barcelona where has largely been seen as a utility player for Xavi’s team. Reports add that the Spanish giants are still in the midst of a financial crisis and may use the January window as a chance to lower their wage bill. The Magpies and Tottenham are believed to be frontrunners to sign Christensen who played 161 games for Chelsea in all competitions before leaving on a free transfer in the summer of 2022.

Christensen’s vast experience and Fabian Schar’s recent injury have amplified the need for further central defensive cover and although Sven Botman has returned from injury it is believed that Newcastle want more bodies to avoid a similar injury crisis to earlier in the season.

Tottenham are in a similar position in January and the recent three month injury suffered by Micky van de Ven has threatened to derail their season slightly after an incredible start under Ange Postecoglou. Spanish outlet Football Espana suggests that Barcelona are willing to listen to offers for several of their players and states that as many as three players could leave the Nou Camp next month.