Three Deadline Signings Newcastle United Could Still Complete

The Magpies are in a tight 2-way race for the Championship top prize with Brighton and Hove and would need more quality players in their squad to improve their chances of edging the current leaders out in the second-tier campaign.

Newcastle have been linked with many players in the January transfer window, and with a few hours away from the deadline, some signings must be completed to help add strength to Benitez squad which has obviously lacked depth thus far.

Here are 3 deadline signings Newcastle should still try to complete in the last hours as we count down to the 11 pm transfer deadline on January 31.

Andros Townsend

The Crystal Palace winger is top of Benitez’s wishlist for January, and a reunion is said to be on the books. However, the Selhurst Park outfit wants a permanent exit for the speedster, while Newcastle are only interested in a temporary deal.

Most recent reports claim Palace would only allow a deal if Chancel Mbemba is allowed to go the other way on a loan deal. The DR Congo defender has fallen out of favour at the Saint James’ Park this term but is still a quality backup anytime he’s called upon.

For all its worth, Newcastle have to sacrifice the Congolese in order to get Townsend as he’s one of the few feasible signings sure to walk straight into the Toons’ starting XI and add more verve to their attack if he returns.

The 25-year-old is arguably an upgrade on Ritchie, Atsu and Gouffran, and his ability to play on both wings would be able to provide Benitez the best of options in the coming months.

Landing the former Tottenham winger is a deal that could go a long way in securing the Championship title for Newcastle.

Max Gradel

Peradventure the Townsend deal falls through, Gradel would be handy for a late plan B.

The Bournemouth winger is keen to leave Dean Court in search of regular playing time after he further dropped down the pecking order this term, and he can serve as a great cover and competition for Newcastle’s wingers.

The Ivory Coast international played a part in the Elephants’ AFCON campaign, and his pace and trickery can cause some problem for opposition defenders.

He also has the ability to score goals as evident from his Leeds and Saint-Étienne days, and despite his lack of form in recent times, he could still end up proving himself at a new club like Newcastle.

Callum Wilson

The English striker is one of the few strikers who has been linked with Newcastle in the winter transfer window, and if a move is pushed for him until the end of deadline day, an arrival from Dean Court is very much possible.

Newcastle have shown that they aren’t able to get the goals raining without Gayle, and an injury to the former Palace striker could prove to be fatal for the club’s chances of winning the Championship or even the other automatic promotion spot available for the runner-up.

In Wilson, Newcastle can be rest assured of having a great striking partner for Gayle as his arrival would most probably see Benitez start deploying a double-man striking system.

It’s a deal that could make the club’s season, and it’s one they must strive to secure in the coming hours.