Newcastle United 'identify two' Sandro Tonali replacements as Alan Shearer issues verdict on 'target'

Newcastle United are now preparing for Carabao Cup action as they look to put a frustrating result or two behind them. Eddie Howe's men drew with Wolves in the Premier League over the weekend, and that followed a Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund.

They will now be looking to put things right in the Carabao Cup Round of 16, which will be a repeat of last season's final in this competition, with the Magpies facing Manchester United. In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding St James' Park.

Midfielder links

Newcastle are said to have two key midfield targets on their shortlist ahead of the January transfer window, now needing more depth in the middle of the park following Sandro Tonali's lengthy suspension. According to Ignazio Genuardi, Lyon star Rayan Cherki and Nice man Khephren Thuram are being eyed.

Lyon have had a disastrous start to the season, potentially making Cherki available, while Thuram has been linked with a move to the Premier League regularly over the last year. Nice are said to have rejected offers for Thuram during the summer.

Shearer's Onana praise

Another player Newcastle have been linked with in their search to replace Tonali is Everton star Amadou Onana. The Toffees are not likely to be willing to sell Onana in January, but there could be a situation where he is sold amid FFP issues at Goodison Park and an ongoing takeover saga.

In the meantime, Alan Shearer has been praising Onana's most recent performance after Everton picked up a big away win over West Ham United over the weekend. Shearer told Premier League Productions: "A real powerhouse performance. He led by example at the heart of Everton’s midfield.” That'll be something Newcastle fans like the sound of as their club continues to be linked with Onana.