Newcastle have received a blow to their January transfer plans after Gini Wijnaldum and Donny van de Beek both snubbed moves to the North East. However, there are still plenty of other viable options for the Toon's mega-rich owners to turn to.
Eddie Howe is understood to be looking to bolster his midfield ranks this month as he looks to drag Newcastle out of a relegation battle.
The out-of-favour Van de Beek has rejected a loan move, according to The Telegraph, despite his lack of playing time at Manchester United.
Fellow Dutchman Wijnaldum is also not keen on a return to St James’ Park, despite struggling to impress at Paris St-Germain following his switch from Newcastle.
But there are still plenty more options for Newcastle to consider - Express Sport looks at four viable options.
Eddie Howe is understood to be looking to bolster his midfield ranks this month (Image: GETTY)
Aaron Ramsey
Juventus' Aaron Ramsey has been strongly linked with a return to the Premier League after continuing to struggle in the Serie A.
The Welshman has struggled with injuries this season, keeping him out of action for extended spells and limiting him to just one start all term.
But his difficulties when fit are well documented, and at 31-years-old now, he should not come at a ridiculous cost.
Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel looks set to leave Borussia Dortmund this summer (Image: GETTY)
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Axel Witsel
Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel looks set to leave Borussia Dortmund this summer after failing to agree a contract extension at the Signal Iduna Park.
That means that he is available to agree a pre-contract right now with Newcastle.
It seems unlikely that will happen, but snapping Witsel up on a free would be a terrific move given his wealth of experience at the top level.
Franck Kessie's goal-scoring record is nothing short of mind-blowing (Image: GETTY)
Another soon-to-be out of contract player, beating a host of top clubs to land Franck Kessie this summer would be huge for Newcastle.
The Ivorian is undoubtedly one of the best midfielders in the Serie A, and he still has his best years ahead of him at 25.
Despite typically playing in defensive-midfield, Kessie's goal-scoring record is nothing short of mind-blowing, having notched up 13 strikes last term, and five so far this time out.