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Squad Overhaul Planned In January As English Defender Named Top Target



On Friday, it was revealed that Newcastle’s new board would target players with Premier League experience entering the final years of their contracts. Their plan was to supplement these more economical signings with a few marquee names.

The list of targets has been plentiful over the past 48 hours with a handful of stars touted as being the new regime’s first big signing in January. We’ve already had Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho and Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly cited as top winter targets.

The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has pinpointed Burnley center-back James Tarkowski as the likely choice to become one of the first players to spark Newcastle’s revolution. The 28-year-old certainly meets the criteria with 166 Premier League matches under his belt while in the final year of his contract.


Edwards reports that Tarkowski is very keen on the move. While Burnley boss Sean Dyche would love to keep his star defender at Turf Moor, he can do little to stand in his way as they could risk losing him for nothing next summer.

Manchester United forward Jesse Lingard is also of interest to Newcastle. Like Tarkowski, the 28-year-old’s contract ends next summer. However, his interest in coming to the North East is uncertain.

Lingard recently rejected a new deal at Old Trafford and has only had only one start this season, which was in the Carabao Cup defeat against West Ham. He spent the second half of last season on loan with The Hammers where he scored 9 goals and provided 5 assists.

Edwards also reports that the new owners believe every area of the pitch needs new blood. He says in addition to Tarkowski, a full-back, center-forward, central midfielder, and a winger could be targeted in January. That would, of course, mean a lot of the current squad would need to be moved out.

This winter we could see a grander version of 2013 when Newcastle added Moussa Sissoko, Mathieu Debuchy, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Yoan Gouffran, Massadio Haidara, and Kevin Mbabu to the ranks.


149 comments so far

  • toon22

    Oct 9, 2021 at 4:39 PM

    Comment #41

    Mbabu had to leave as he got himself in bother with some local gangsters
    I’m sure it also called into question his lifestyle and attitude

    I’m glad he’s turned things around for himself but it wasn’t going to be here he did it

    11
  • Mund

    Oct 9, 2021 at 4:39 PM

    Comment #42

    😆 the different contrast in the posts 39 & 40

    3
  • jane

    Oct 9, 2021 at 4:43 PM

    Comment #43

    Hendrick starting for Ireland in Azerbaijan (i’m sure you’re interested to know that!). is Clark injured as he’s not in the squad?

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/northern-ireland/58848541

    0
  • cleveleysbob

    Oct 9, 2021 at 4:48 PM

    Comment #44

    Thanks Captain, trying to present a fair outlook we shouldn’t let the current media “wringing hands” outcry divert us from the reality.

    2
  • jane

    Oct 9, 2021 at 4:49 PM

    Comment #45

    “but fellow Magpie Ciaran Clark has missed out on a place in Kenny’s 26-man squad.”

    not injured just not selected by the looks of it.

    https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/latest-news/hendrick-named-in-republic-of-ireland-squad/

    0
  • jane

    Oct 9, 2021 at 4:55 PM

    Comment #46

    will PIF have an employee based in Newcastle?

    0
  • /%%/

    Oct 9, 2021 at 4:57 PM

    Comment #47

    Is it the same people banging on about Mbabu that banged on about Mitro until the decision was proved 100% correct. As for Toney and Armstrong we might one day find out why they were sold rather than continued to be loaned out. It is very likely, given how Ashley and Churnley operated that the manager was told he had to sell players to raise Rondon’s loan fee. The most obvious choices would be those not directly affecting the first team. We didn’t see Churnley blocking their sale.

    2
  • captainmarvel

    Oct 9, 2021 at 4:58 PM

    Comment #48

    Excellent read Bob and correct too..

    2
  • hibbit

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:09 PM

    Comment #49

    Mbabu left Newcastle the City for his safety nowt to do with football silly boy,

    14
  • Great White Hunter

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:10 PM

    Comment #50

    Great blog atm, good comments from old and new posters, January buys,IMO, Tarkowski a must, good age, PL experience, England international, Sarr, Watford midfielder, Lingard (maybe) he turned us down once, so not sure, striker, only one ,Erling Haaland, my dream no 9, Manager, as I stated approx 12 months ago, Brighton’s Potter…..gets the best out of average players,tactical very good, good with media, not sure how good he is with ‘star’ players etc….., but give him a go. Ps I know how you feel Carltoon, emotionally, I,ve never slept properly for 3 nights with excitement, dreaming etc….,, better have another drink, it’s good for the soul, cheers.

    3
  • JP...from The Rock

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:11 PM

    Comment #51

    Jail – you wrong there. I wanted Mitro out as he was not as good as many made him out to be. Always was a danger of getting a red card with him. On Mbabu I could tell by his Chelsea debut that he was gonna be some player, took it all in his stride and looked a class act. Probs did have an attitude problem or something but he’s overcome that and would love to have him back.

    3
  • magpiePL

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:12 PM

    Comment #52

    Bruce is saying that he wants a chance to show the new owners what he can do… But what new he can do? He had whole start of the season to show what he is capable of. New owners don’t make any change in preparation, tacticts, players ability, team selection, etc. They cannot support him other than good word right now… So, before new owners didn’t he want to show what he can do with our team?

    And even he will be on Tottenham game still here and players start to play much more advanced, with stronger attitude, that menas only that they didn’t want to play under him in previous games.

    That way or another Bruce has nothing to offer to Newcastle United.

    I’m not sure what manager I would like to see now. I trust in Amanda and co. 🙂

    11
  • geordietom

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:15 PM

    Comment #53

    Stuff Bruce send back to his cabbage farm …

    6
  • geordietom

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:15 PM

    Comment #54

    Stuff Bruce send him back to his cabbage farm …

    2
  • /%%/

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:16 PM

    Comment #55

    JP,
    Not wrong, I asked the question not stated a fact 😀

    1
  • /%%/

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:17 PM

    Comment #56

    Is England not playing today?

    0
  • geordietom

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:19 PM

    Comment #58

    jail …

    7-45 kick off

    0
  • Wor B

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:19 PM

    Comment #59

    Jail.

    No.

    England are playing today.

    2
  • AnyToon in Indiana

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:21 PM

    Comment #60

    I am still thinking…good or bad…that my gut says Gerrard with the Liverpool, Stavely, Benitiez love triangle.

    1
  • davetoon

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:24 PM

    Comment #61

    Our defenders looked decent under Rafa’s guidance and structures. Any one brought in under Bruce would be shizen. Need new manager asap before any player decisions are made.

    3
  • /%%/

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:24 PM

    Comment #62

    Wor B,
    Cheers, that clears things up 😛

    1
  • /%%/

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:24 PM

    Comment #63

    Cheers geordietom.

    2
  • SholaShow

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:25 PM

    Comment #64

    Is there a bigger idiot pundit than doper Gabby Agbonlahor?

    6
  • Steve Carney's Super Smirk

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:26 PM

    Comment #65

    If we struggle to find the right manager or can’t persuade a viable target to come in before the end of the season I’d honestly be happy to see Jones given the chance to be Caretaker if we can have Keegan knocking around to provide charm, charisma and positivity. Put an arm around a few players etc but leaving the tactics and coaching to Graeme.

    I bet the surge in positivity we’re feeling is mirrored by many of the players and while I wouldn’t want Kev making footballing decisions I do think he could have a big role to play in fostering a new spirit.

    It’s just insane to read that back – two or three days ago there was no light at the end of the tunnel…maybe my thoughts are muddled by euphoria?!

    4
  • SholaShow

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:27 PM

    Comment #66

    Gerrard would be interesting, but a risk for our current predicament which is why I can’t see it.

    1
  • /%%/

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:29 PM

    Comment #67

    It’s not just about buying players but a massive clear out is needed, not sure how we can offload Gayle, Murphy, Shelvey, Hayden, all on long deals and obviously higher than Championship wages. Clark, Krafth and Hendrix also need to be moved on, Ryan Fraser might come good under a new manager. Jeez, what a mess, this couldn’t have come any sooner.

    1
  • bill

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:30 PM

    Comment #68

    Like Mick Lowes said this morning “can they stop the hypocrisy”. Have they taken an Ubba cab, have they watched a Disney film, have they used Facebook, have they flown on a Boeing aircraft, etc, etc. PIF has huge stakes in these enterprises, so why are they choosing NUFC to criticise?

    I’ll tell you; because it gives them air time riding on the back of our takeover. Bloody parasites, are as bad as Ashley.

    21
  • Great White Hunter

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:32 PM

    Comment #69

    Media, as expected are having a field day regarding any negative story in relation to the takeover, PL teams angry about SFA, jealousy springs to mind, in all honesty I could,nt care a flying fart what they think……..if/when managers,players turn us down who cares, we would double their wages,t&c, etc…..it’s their problem, only in a few years time to regret it, we will be the best, and that’s what we deserve after decades on misery. Rant over,cheers.

    7
  • bill

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:33 PM

    Comment #70

    And very disappointed with George. I thought he had more sense.

    1
  • /%%/

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:35 PM

    Comment #71

    What’s Caulkin said?

    0
  • Wor B

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:36 PM

    Comment #72

    Don’t think there will be a massive clear out in Jan, with the new manager bounce added to the already feel-good factor, 2 – 3 quality newcomers should be enough to provide safety and a platform to build on next summer.

    2
  • /%%/

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:38 PM

    Comment #73

    Wor B,
    Aye, I didn’t mean in January, I meant next summer.

    1
  • the crown princes nashers

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:38 PM

    Comment #74

    my money is still on conte but if that doesnt happen then shearer does me

    0
  • /%%/

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:39 PM

    Comment #75

    Quick question,
    I renewed my membership yesterday £36.99, will the new owners get that money?

    0
  • the crown princes nashers

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:40 PM

    Comment #76

    amanda text alan shearer, rings alan up meets him at the hotel has a chat with him and has also been in touch with kevin keegan ………………… yeah I know about spokesmen for the club aye but theres something more to this then meets the eye

    think about it

    1
  • Wor B

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:41 PM

    Comment #77

    Jail

    Aye, probs a slash and burn exercise next summer!

    0
  • the crown princes nashers

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:44 PM

    Comment #78

    see karren brady has had her dig maybe she should shut her legs oops a mean her mouth for a change

    3
  • Darnik

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:48 PM

    Comment #79

    Is it right that we are being allowed 3 years of no ffp?

    1
  • bill

    Oct 9, 2021 at 5:48 PM

    Comment #80

    /%%/
    Watch Football Focus. There’s a link earlier in this thread.

    0


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