Sources: Everton star on Newcastle three-man January signing list after U-turn
Newcastle United are prioritising a centre-back this January and have a three-man shortlist of potential recruits, sources have told Football Insider.
The Magpies are stepping up efforts to bolster their defence this winter, with Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly very high on Eddie Howe’s preference list.
Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is also a top target for the club, but he remains happy in south London and is eager to fight for a spot in England’s Euro 2024 squad.
Ben Godfrey has also been considered by the Tyneside club as a cheaper alternative after falling out of favour at Everton.
The need for a new midfielder has become less of a priority at Newcastle after 17-year-old academy graduate Lewis Miley successfully filled the void left by Sandro Tonali after he was suspended from playing for 10 months for betting violations.
In a U-turn compared to last month, it means central defence rather than central midfield is emerging as the new Magpies January priority.
Kelly has featured 10 times this season for Howe’s former club and has played at both left-back and right-back.
Football Insider revealed last month (12 November) that Liverpool and Tottenham would have to pay around £25-30million for Kelly, whose Cherries contract expires at the end of the season.
Elsewhere, Guehi, as revealed by Football Insider (27 November) is Man United’s top target this January with the club ready to make an offer for the 23-year-old.
The Magpies remain without three first-team centre-backs, with Sven Botman, Dan Burn and Jamaal Lascelles still unavailable for selection.
However, the club have been working on a new contract for Fabian Schar – and as revealed by Football Insider (8 December), they are confident of extending his stay after getting the green light from Saudi-based owners PiF
Newcastle suffered a humbling 3-0 defeat to Everton on Thursday evening (7 December) and next face Tottenham away in the Premier League on Sunday (10 December).
In other news, Pundit: Newcastle United are in ‘trouble’ after ‘another huge injury blow for Eddie Howe’.