‘One to watch’ - The latest players linked with Newcastle United - and the chances of them signing

Hugo Ekitike - Reims

LK: “With the capture of Chris Wood, the heat is off United’s frontline recruitment race and swiftly turns to central defenders. And so this move makes a whole lot more sense than it did just a day or so ago. A player of considerable talent, and would be able to learn and adapt to English football without pressure, with two senior forwards ahead of him. This one has legs.”

JC: “Sources in France say Newcastle’s interest in 19-year-old Ekitike, who has already been likened to Kylian Mbappe and David Trezeguet, is genuine. Definitely one to watch for the future, and a player who would arrive with less pressure on his shoulders now Wood is set to arrive. Talks have been held, but no fee is agreed.”

Gleison Bremer - Torino

LK: “Inter Milan seemed to be leading the race on this one until this week. Another defender of considerable calibre, who’d massively improve United’s ailing backline. One to watch.”

JC: “Has emerged as a potential target - as first reported by the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope - with Lille adamant Sven Botman is staying. Interestingly, Bremer is understood to share the same agency as Trippier and Wood.”

Mason Holgate - Everton

LK: “This one is very much a back-up option for United, and in many ways, I can only see this one being pushed through if moves for higher-profile candidates continue to falter.”

JC: “With Everton having signed defenders Nathan Patterson and Vitaly Mykolenko this month, Holgate wants to leave for regular first-team football. Not top of the list, but that could change.”

Patrik Schick - Bayer Leverkusen

LK: “Interest is there - it’s been there for years with the Czech frontman - but Leverkusen will no doubt prove reluctant sellers. If this one is to progress it feels more like summer than January.”

JC: “Newcastle have been linked with Schick ever since his Roma days. The player is better established among Europe’s top strikers, leading to a rumoured £50m price tag. Hard to see this happening any time soon.”

Marcos Senesi - Feyenoord

LK: “Seen as a slightly cheaper alternative at centre-half than the likes of Sven Botman, although I do believe that deal remains live. Has established himself as one of the best central defenders in Eredivisie, a division that has dished up a mixed bag for Premier League teams in terms of recruitment.”

JC: “Senesi has been one of the standout performers in the Netherlands this season, so it’s no surprise to see him linked with other clubs. Wouldn’t rule this out, but don’t believe he’s top of the list at the moment.”