Newcastle United transfer 'could materialise' as medical booked for failed target

Newcastle United are back in action this weekend when they take on Fulham in the FA Cup fourth round. The Magpies got last weekend off as part of the Premier League winter break, and they will hope to hit the ground running to keep their hopes of silverware alive this weekend.

Eddie Howe's men have performed under-par this season, but they have struggled with injuries so far this term. As Howe searches for answers, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding St James' Park.

Phillips medical

Newcastle appear to have missed out on loan target Kalvin Phillips, who is headed for West Ham United, according to reports. Phillips will also have an option to buy in his contract, meaning his time at City could be over.

Fabrizio Romano tweeted: "Kalvin Phillips to West Ham, here we go! Loan deal agreed with Man City and also on player side. One more from Tim Steidten. Understand it will also include an option to buy clause in June for #WHUFC. Medical tests booked on Wednesday."

Almiron latest

Newcastle star Miguel Almiron has not agreed an exit yet, but one transfer insider belives there is a deal to be done. "Miguel Almiron is attracting interest from Saudi Arabia, as exclusively revealed on Tuesday,” Ben Jacobs told CaughtOffside.

“Although nothing is fully agreed yet, Al-Shabab already have a provisional agreement with Newcastle. This is not quite the same as an agreement in principle, but it does constitute an initial agreement over the guaranteed fee, which will be close to €20m if things proceed. The total package could rise to around €30m. Talks continue over bonuses and structure. Al-Shabab are optimistic of agreeing a full package with Newcastle, and Almiron is certainly a player that will be sold for the right price this window.

“But there are still two challenges for Al-Shabab. The first is that other Saudi interest could materialise. Al-Ahli, for example, who are PIF controlled, are another Saudi club who like Almiron. They haven’t engaged yet in any talks, though, and at this stage of the window they’ll obviously have to move fast if they do decide to enter the race. Al-Alhi already did business with Newcastle over the summer when they signed Allan Saint-Maximin.

“Al-Shabab also have to persuade Almiron to join and, as of now, there is no agreement on the player side. Al-Shabab are first trying to get a full agreement with Newcastle, probably in the hope that the Premier League club then tell Almiron they’d like to sell. Miguel Almiron is one to watch right up until the end of the window. Newcastle will entertain offers so there is a deal to be done under the right conditions.”