Sports
Newcastle looking for more signings but not ‘close’ to any other deals
Newcastle United made Chris Wood their second signing of the January transfer window on Thursday as the striker made the £25m move from Burnley, but the Magpies are still looking for reinforcements in their battle for survival.
Wood’s arrival came following the signing of Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid last week for a fee of around £12m, plus add-ons.
The Magpies are still looking to strengthen the squad during the window, with their attention turning to the centre-back position. Newcastle currently sit 19th in the Premier League and have the second-worst defensive record this term having shipped 42 goals in the first half of the season.
Eddie Howe’s side face a huge game on Saturday when they welcome fellow strugglers Watford to St James’ Park in a must-win battle for both sides.
Ahead of the visit of the Hornets, the Newcastle manager has been talking to the media and admitted they are still ‘active in the market’ but are not close to any new deals, meaning the squad they have now will be the one that plays on Saturday.
Howe added:
“We are looking, we have time left in the window. We need to move quickly if we try to add more players.”
Newcastle put in a bid for Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos yesterday afternoon and are awaiting a response from the Spanish side. The Magpies have also been linked with moves for French U20 international Benoit Badiashile, Stade Reims striker Hugo Ekitike and ‘top-priority’ Sven Botman but have been unsuccessful in their dealings.
New signing Chris Wood is expected to make his debut in the black and white against Watford and will be hoping to get off to the perfect start on Tyneside. With the injury to star striker Callum Wilson keeping him out for the next two months, it’s important that Wood settles quickly and nets some important goals for the Magpies in their relegation battle.
Eddie Howe was asked about the arrival of Wood and said:
“We’re really pleased with the signing of Chris. I think he’ll fit in really well to the team. He’s experienced, he’s ready to play and he knows the Premier League. He gives us something a little bit different.”
He added:
“I’ve never been shy of saying I admire tall, physical strikers who can give you a platform to play and I’ve signed many down the years. When you look at last week when we put 30 crosses into the box, we were crying out for someone with his strengths and his qualities.”
“I think he’s going to be hugely motivated to play well for Newcastle and help lead us out of the position we’re in. He’s got experience of that as well. He’s a person I admire as well – I’ve been hugely impressed by his character and his attitude.”
Thoughts? Are you happy with the Wood signing? Will Howe’s side get the three points against Watford?
Join in the conversation and have your say…
Newcastle United boss wants to extend the contracts of two players before losing them.
Eddie Howe has expressed in a recent fan Q&A his intentions to keep two out of contract players this summer, Loris Karius and Paul Dummett, according to the Athletic’s Chris Waugh, with both players current contracts set to end this summer.
6 players are currently set to become out of contract come June 1st, Loris Karius, Paul Dummet, Mark Gillespie, Matt Ritchie, Matty Longstaff and Ciaran Clark. However, it is only Karius and Dummett that appear to be safe of getting the chop.
Loris Karius has spent this season as Newcastle United’s third choice keeper, with only one appearance coming in the 2-0 defeat to Manchester United in the Carabao Cup Final. Despite the loss, Karius did little wrong and contributed some wonderful saves late on in that game.
Paul Dummett has had the same treatment, with only one appearance coming his way, a Carabao Cup tie in the second round against Tranmere Rovers back in August. The 31-year-old Welshman is an experienced head and will no doubt have great respect within the dressing room having signed for the club back in 2012 making 205 appearances in that time.
Both players can expect new contracts from Eddie Howe as he has made it known that he wants them both to remain at the club next season.
Who would you want to remain at the club from the current out of contract list – let us know on our social media and follow us for latest North East Updates –https://linktr.ee/northeastupdates
10 players Eddie Howe could look towards with contracts expiring at the end of this season.
The free agent’s market is the absolute cheat code for clubs across the board, being able to avoid the rising transfer fees and getting players through the door through verbal agreements makes life much easier for clubs during the transfer window.
We have compiled a list of 10 free transfers NUFC could sign this summer from Europe’s top five leagues giving them a rating of the potential of them signing and the impact they would have.
- Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund)
The 29-year-old full back has his contract expiring this summer and with NUFC already being hinted at as his potential new club, this one is worth keeping an eye on over the next few months. He would slot straight in at left-back to have healthy competition for fan favourite Dan Burn and add a burst of class and pace to that left hand side. The Portugal international already has an impressive CV and would be looking to show that off to the St. James faithful.
Potential – A
Impact – A
- Yerry Mina (Everton)
With Everton potentially facing the drop this season, a jump from Merseyside to Newcastle could suit the centre back to a T. The 28-year-old Columbian international would add to NUFC’s already in form back line and bring some South American heat as they look to progress further next season. Mina possesses dominance, aggression, and a great ariel threat and would be a top addition to the magpies this summer.
Potential – B
Impact – A
- Jonathan Bamba (Lille)
An explosive winger who made his name known as Lille snatched the league title in 2021 in France, the 26-year-old is still yet to receive a contract extension from the club and could be looking elsewhere in the summer. Adding pace, flair, and drive to an already exciting front three for NUFC could be what fans need going into next season.
Potential – C
Impact – A
- Youri Tielemans (Leicester City)
Reportedly being close to leaving in the summer window of 2022, Youri Tielemans would be a fine addition to NUFC’s midfield being able to operate in a slightly deeper role to allow Bruno to push further up the field and do what he does best. The 25-year-old has his contract expiring this summer and with him and James Maddison already being linked to the club, this transfer seems to make so much more sense and would add heaps of quality to the centre of the field.
Potential – B
Impact – A
- Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)
Drive, power, and flair are the 3 best words to describe Crystal Palace star man Wilfried Zaha. The 30-year-old could be looking to depart his beloved club in the hope for European football next season and NUFC could be just the place for him. Being able to operate either on the left or down the middle, Zaha would thrive under Eddie Howe and be a fantastic addition to the front line.
Potential – B
Impact – A
A Sunderland football player on loan to Lincoln FC has had his loan terminated after he was charged with rape.
Jack Diamond, 23, had been arrested after a sexual assault in Washington, Tyne and Wear, last year.
Northumbria Police launched an investigation, but have now charged him with one count of rape and one count of sexual assault.
Lincoln City FC said the player’s loan contract had been terminated “with immediate effect”.
His home club, Sunderland AFC, said he had been suspended pending the outcome of legal proceedings.
In a statement, it said: “Sunderland AFC has been notified that criminal charges have been brought against Jack Diamond by the Crown Prosecution Service.”
“As this matter is subject to a legal process, the club will not be making any further statement at this time”.
The incident is alleged to have happened in May last year.
Mr Diamond, of Fatfield, also Washington, is due to appear before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court in May.
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