Newcastle United transfer boost as 'strong chance' of new signing before deadline day

Newcastle United could yet welcome a new signing to St James' Park with reports suggesting there is a 'strong chance' of a midfield arrival.

The Magpies have been linked with midfield reinforcements throughout January, with two regular starters out for the season. Sandro Tonali is banned after breaking the Italian FA's betting rules while Joelinton underwent surgery on a thigh issue earlier this month.

Interest in Kalvin Phillips was genuine but Newcastle were eventually priced out of a deal, with Manchester city demanding a large loan fee and full salary coverage, plus an option or obligation to buy. Phillips joined West Ham on loan earlier this week.

But those in charge at St James' Park have continued to identify targets and The Athletic's David Ornstein believes they will find success. In a recent Q&A, Ornstein insisted there was a 'strong chance' that Newcastle do bring in a midfielder on loan. Financial concerns mean any move will almost certainly be temporary, with any expenditure coming out of the summer budget, at which point Howe will need as much money as possible to rebuild.

Newcastle will likely be in the market for more long-term options in the summer and will have more time to get their ducks in a row. Joelinton may have played his last game in a black and white shirt, with Howe admitting recently is it possible the Brazilian, who is contracted until 2025, leaves amid a contract dispute.

"I'm not a fortune-teller and I certainly hope that is not the case," Howe said on Friday of suggestions Joelinton could leave. "There is a possibility that could be the case, but I don't know.

"Eighteen months [left on a contract] is a vulnerable time for a club. The club will need to tie Joe down to a longer-term contract or there is a possibility he will be sold in the summer. That is just the reality of the situation."

There has also been reported interest in Bruno Guimaraes with Newcastle chief executive Darren Eales admitting earlier this month that top players may need to be sold in order to balance the books and fund investment throughout the squad.