Newcastle United have surprised many by remaining extremely quiet in the 2024 winter transfer window. But that all might change heading into the final few days of the window.
Eddie Howe’s side are clearly short-staffed in midfield after Sandro Tonali got suspended and Joelinton is likely to be out for the rest of the season with an injury.
It now appears that they are looking for someone with Premier League experience to add more quality to their midfield line.
As per journalist Joel Bland, the Magpies have decided to sign one midfielder before the end of the winter transfer window on February 1.
They are now set to make a last-gasp attempt to sign Everton midfielder Amadou Onana, who has impressed many with his energetic and efficient performances for the Toffees.
Everton are currently stifled by financial issues, having already suffered a 10-point deduction earlier this season for breaching the Premier League’s rules, and need to sell before they can buy players.
With that being said, Newcastle are aware that they might have to pay a fee of over £60 million to sign the midfielder.
It’s that valuation which could dent the Magpies’ ambitions of signing Onana, because they have to keep their finances in check with the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability (PSR) rules too.
There is a possibility that the Magpies would have to go back to sign Onana in the summer transfer window if unable to get a deal done before the winter deadline.
Another player whom they are reportedly targeting for the summer window is AC Milan winger Rafael Leao.
The Magpies were awe-inspired by the quality of the Portuguese winger in his performances against them earlier this season in the Champions League, when he caused major problems to Kieran Tripper with his rapid pace and dribbling ability.
According to Telefoot, Newcastle envisions the Portugal international as someone who can elevate their chances of pushing for a top-4 place in the 2024/25 Premier League season.
Leao, a brilliant dribbler and incisive winger, has eight goal contributions in 19 Serie A matches this season.
However, the Portuguese winger signed a new long-term contract with AC Milan last year – meaning he won’t come cheap either.
It’s clear that if Eddie Howe really wants to add some world class players to his squad, he needs his Saudi owners to bring out the big bucks and also clear out some players to keep the finances in check.