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Phillips issues 'honest' Newcastle claim as Staveley stance on signing Origi revealed
Newcastle United should forget about signing Divock Origi in the January transfer window, according to Kevin Phillips.
The ex-Premier League striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Magpies “are crying out” for two defenders in the January transfer window, not a striker.
According to the Northern Echo (23rd November), Amanda Staveley and her advisors believe Origi, 26, would be keen on a move to St. James’ Park.
It is reported that a six-month loan deal would be of interest to Newcastle.
It comes after a club source told Football Insider (November 23) that Eddie Howe’s side will only target loan signings in the January window.
Phillips is adamant it would cost the Magpies “a lot of money” to get Origi out of Anfield.
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“Origi would be a good signing but I really don’t see that being an area of concern,” he told Football Insider.
“It would cost them a lot and I think it’d be hard to sign him midway through the season. Liverpool haven’t got the biggest squad. They will be reliant on the likes of Origi when the African Cup of Nations comes around in January.
“Let’s be honest, Newcastle are crying out for two defenders at least.
“If they want to stay in the Premier League they need to sure up that defence. That has to be the priority when the window opens. Defenders are crucial if Newcastle are to stay up.”
Newcastle are yet to win or keep a clean sheet in the Premier League this season.
They sit bottom of the table after 13 games.
In other news, Noel Whelan is ‘extremely worried’ about Newcastle after a ‘huge’ Howe reveal today.