Newcastle United tipped to use ownership links to land shock January transfer window deal

Newcastle United fans had plenty to smile about over the weekend as they secured a comprehensive 3-0 victory over their bitter rivals Sunderland to progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The result helps ease pressure on manager Eddie Howe after a poor run of form in the league and helps raise the optimism of Magpies fans who will be delighted to end their nine match winless streak against Sunderland.

Attention now turns to the league game against defending champions Manchester City, whilst in the background Newcastle scouts will undoubtedly be scouring the market for players to strengthen the team’s squad depth. Central midfield in particular is an area that Newcastle are believed to be keen to strengthen. The Magpies were hit hard with a huge blow earlier in the season by the suspension of Sandro Tonali, while the likes of Joe Willock and Elliot Anderson have barely played due to injury. A slight knock to Joelinton in the derby will only amplify concerns about squad depth and it is strongly suspected that Newcastle will be in the market to sign a defensive minded midfielder.

The main name that has dominated the headlines in recent weeks has been Manchester City’s out-of-favour midfielder Kalvin Phillips, particularly with recent reports of Juventus pulling out of the race to sign the 31-time England international. But recent reports suggest he is not the only England international on Newcastle’s radar and Dan Ashworth and his scouting team may make an unlikely move for a player that would add even more salt to the wounds of Sunderland fans.

Ex-Liverpool and Black Cats midfielder Jordan Henderson is reportedly seeking a move back to England just six months after his move to Saudi Arabia in the summer, according to MailOnline. Henderson, who grew up a Sunderland supporter, has spent the majority of his career at Liverpool. He signed for the Reds in 2011, inherited the captain’s armband from Steven Gerrard in 2015 and went on to help lead the team to win the Champions League, League Cup and FA Cup, as well as first top-flight title in 30 years.

The 81-time England international made 360 league appearances for Liverpool before linking up with former teammate Steven Gerrard in Saudi Arabia where he has since made 16 appearances for Al-Ettifaq so far. Henderson is thought to be keen on a move back to England in the January window and Newcastle are thought to be one of the Premier League clubs interested in his services, according to reports from GiveMeSport.

The outlet claims that Newcastle, along with Fulham and Crystal Palace, are keeping tabs on the Henderson situation. Journalist Dean Jones admits that the move would be the shock of the transfer window, but one that would make sense on purely footballing terms.

Jones explained: “There are some links with Jordan Henderson which would be the shock of the window for me if Henderson suddenly rocked up at Newcastle halfway through the season. 

“I don't think it's the worst idea in the world from a football sense. The experience and quality he could bring would be very beneficial for the player, because of the Euros that are on the horizon, It would also lift Newcastle's levels in an area of pitch that I feel is really letting them down at the moment. 

“I feel like they've got such tired legs in there. The squad has been so thin that the midfield is getting bypassed a bit and Henderson could definitely help out. I'm genuinely not sure this one can come together and it would be a fascinating one if it did. I'm pretty sure that Jordan Henderson is a Sunderland fan so, if not just for footballing reasons, emotional reasons too, I'll be surprised to see him put it on their shirt.”

Sunderland Echo explains that Henderson cost Al Ettifaq a fee in the region of £13million, with the Saudi club reportedly paying him a wage of around £350,000 per week. PIF does not own Al-Ettifaq and GiveMeSport adds that if a deal were to take place, Henderson would have to significantly reduce his wage demands.