Newcastle United show ‘strong interest’ in ex-Manchester United star, Dutchman ‘offered’ to Eddie Howe

Newcastle United have signed two players since the January transfer window opened at the beginning of the month.

The Magpies, who are the richest club in the world following their Saudi-based takeover in the summer, added Kieran Trippier to their ranks last week. The right-back made his debut in their 1-0 FA Cup third round defeat to Cambridge on Saturday.

Newcastle’s second signing this month was Chris Wood. The New Zealand international joined for an undisclosed fee believed to be £25m, and Eddie Howe will be hoping the forward can help steer the club away from the relegation zone with his efforts up top.

According to reports, Howe is planning to add several more names to his squad come deadline day.

Donny van de Beek ‘offered’

As per Manchester Evening News, Newcastle have been offered Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek on loan.

The Dutchman has struggled for game-time for his club, only making 13 appearances in all competitions.

In addition, the site adds that van de Beek is looking to leave the Red Devils due to his lack of minutes at Old Trafford and a move for him could materialise given the Toon’s need for a centre-midfielder.

Reports suggesting the Magpies’ pursuit of a central-midfielder has been further backed-up by reporter Pete Greaves.

Speaking on the latest episode of the Sky Sports’ Transfer Talk Podcast, Graves revealed he has heard the club plan to bolster their team with a player in that position.

“They want a centre-midfielder as well, and I heard – Transfer Talk exclusive here – the marquee signing was going to be a centre midfielder, so who’s that going to be,” he said.

Diego Carlos reports from Spain

Elsewhere in the squad, rumours are circulating that Newcastle are focusing on bringing a centre-back to St James Park this month - an area of concern given they have conceded the second-highest number of goals so far this season

According to La Colina de Nervion, the Toon are interested in signing Diego Carlos. The 28-year-old has been ever-present for Seville this campaign, featuring in 19 of their 20 La Liga games, as well as six appearances in the Champions League and two in the Copa del Rey.

The Spanish site claims Carlos has a €75m release clause in his contract, a fee easily affordable to Newcastle given their new-found wealth.

Chris Smalling linked

Another name being linked to the Toon is Roma centre-back Chris Smalling, as per Teleradiostereo, via Sport Witness.

There is ‘strong interest’ from Newcastle for the 32-year-old’s signature, who is no stranger to the Premier League, having played for Manchester United and Fulham in England’s top-flight before his time in Italy.

However, according to the site, the Magpies will have to do their utmost to persuade Smalling to join the club as it does ‘not fully convince’ him to move to St James Park currently.