The FOUR transfers on the agenda as Newcastle United eye busy end to January transfer window

We’ve entered the final week of the January transfer window - and there is an expectation that Newcastle United will be busy.

In the 12 days since Chris Wood arrived from Burnley for £25million, the Magpies have been left frustrated on the transfer front.

Eddie Howe’s side wrapped up the signings of Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid and Wood within the opening 13 days - but a breakthrough is yet to be made since.

Still, it isn’t through a lack of trying from the club’s recruitment team, whose tireless efforts will only continue as the clock ticks towards Monday’s deadline at 11pm.

Newcastle don’t return to Premier League action until Tuesday, February 8 when Everton visit St James’ Park.

But by the time the two sides meet, it is hoped Howe’s squad will be further bolstered ahead of their giant fight for top-flight survival.

What deals are Newcastle attempting to conclude? What players are they being linked with? NewcastleWorld takes a look:

The central defender priority

Still, the search for a new central defender (or two) goes on as Howe seeks to improve a leaky backline that has conceded a joint-Premier League second highest of 43 goals.

Because of United’s desperation in this particular department, coupled with their well-publicised wealth, has made this a thankless task.

Lille remain adamant that title-winning defender Sven Botman is not for sale, while interest in Sevilla’s Diego Carlos has also played out quite similarly.

Indeed, Newcastle’s attempts to sign Carlos remain active, with negotiations ongoing following the news that the Brazilian is keen on a switch to Tyneside.

It is understood the La Liga side want £50million for the 28-year-old but the Magpies will hope to settle on a smaller fee.

Meanwhile, Burnley’s James Tarkowski is a name that has again popped up this week but it is an incredibly difficult deal to do.

The Clarets do not want to sell to a direct relegation rival. And indeed, unlike Wood, Tarkowski is not believed to have a release clause in his contract.

The 29-year-old is not expected to extend his contract at Turf Moor beyond this season, however Sean Dyche’s side are under no pressure to sell.

Adding another full-back

Not a priority as such, but Howe remains open to adding a left-back to his ranks after signing Trippier for the opposite side.

Jamal Lewis is back fit but without him, Newcastle lack a recognised replacement with question marks over Matt Ritchie defensively and Paul Dummett’s long-term fitness.

Javier Manquillo has performed impressively on the left side against Manchester United and Leeds, so does bring some food for thought.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Mitchel Bakker has been heavily linked, with the Bundesliga outfit open to making a quick profit having only signed him from PSG in the summer.

That has led to speculation of a potential £14.5m transfer, although the Daily Telegraph are reporting that a deal is on the verge of collapse.

As a result, links to Atalanta's Robin Gosens have also resurfaced, despite that being played down a week or so ago.

The English midfield duo

Newcastle’s interest in Manchester United star Jesse Lingard is no secret, but it’s a tad complicated.

Lingard is open to moving to St James’ Park on loan but the Red Devils aren’t keen due to his contract expiring in the summer.

Ralf Rangnick’s side prefer to sell the England international, and while the Magpies would be confident of agreeing a fee, the player isn’t keen on those terms.

Talks are ongoing and in the meantime, Howe side’s have also made contact with Tottenham Hotspur over Dele Alli.

Alli was on the brink of signing for Newcastle in January 2015 before Spurs swooped in last minute to acquire him MK Dons.

The 25-year-old’s career in North London has stalled for some time now. He was omitted for the Spurs squad that lost at Chelsea on Sunday.

It is also worth keeping an eye on Todd Cantwell’s uncertain situation at Norwich City given his links to Tyneside in recent weeks.

The Colombian striker link

Newcastle wasted no time in triggering Wood’s release clause at Burnley following Callum Wilson’s confirmed spell on the sidelines.

During the Wood’s negotiations, United had approached Reims over young striker Hugo Etikite but as talks advanced, the price tag become too inflated.

The Magpies are open to signing another striker should the right deal emerge, and the latest name to be linked is Atalanta’s Duvan Zapata.

The Colombian, who has spent the last nine years of his career in Italy, has netted 78 goals in 152 appearances for the Serie A side.

Reports have pointed towards Zapata being a loan-to-buy deal but no interest is concrete as of yet.