Newcastle’s January transfer plans continue to be hit by a series of setbacks, with three players rejecting moves to St James’ Park. Magpies boss Eddie Howe is desperately trying to steer his side away from the Premier League relegation zone.
But to successfully accomplish his task, he will need to upgrade his options across the pitch, though that strategy has hit problems despite the club being owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
Three more players have turned down moves to the club, with one of them being Lens midfielder Seko Fofana.
“My wish is to continue the adventure and to go as far as possible. I always said that I feel good here,” Fofana told Eurosport France.
Fofana’s rejection follows that of Donny van de Beek and Georgino Wijnaldum, with the Daily Telegraph reporting the duo are ‘not willing’ to move to St James’ Park.
Here, Daily Express Sport looks at five players who remain on the Magpies’ shortlist following the latest rejections…
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Newcastle are hoping to use their Saudi Arabian money to overhaul Eddie Howe's squad (Image: Express Sport)
Perhaps the most advanced move of any on this list is the Magpies’ attempts to sign Sevilla defender Diego Carlos.
The Telegraph report that though the clubs are negotiating a fee, Carlos is keen to join Newcastle, with there being ‘cautious optimism’ he will join in time to face Leeds this weekend.
Amadou Haidara
While Manchester United had been interested in Amadou Haidara, the Daily Mail report that it is Newcastle who are leading the race for the RB Leipzig star.
Haidara is understood to have a £33million release clause in his contract, while he would likely demand to be made Newcastle’s highest earning player.
Newcastle are closing in on the signing of Diego Carlos (Image: Getty Images)
But that would certainly be worth it for the Mali international, who has become one of the best midfielders in the Bundesliga.
Jesse Lingard
Though it is West Ham who have been linked most closely with Jesse Lingard, Newcastle could be set to flex their financial muscle for the midfielder.
Lingard is out of contract at Manchester United at the end of the season, but the Daily Star report the Magpies are still willing to spend in excess of £3m for the Englishman.
The midfielder starred for the Hammers in a loan spell last season and it is stated that Howe believes he can have a similar effect on struggling Newcastle.