Exclusive: Newcastle’s two-man January signing plan revealed after ‘huge’ blow

Newcastle are set to prioritise the signing of a new centre-back and a new left-back this month if they suffer any more defensive injuries amid Eddie Howe’s current crisis.

Newcastle have returned to form in recent weeks despite several injuries to key defenders such as Tino Livramento, Dan Burn and Fabian Schar.

Eddie Howe‘s side have won four of their last five games to return to the Premier League’s top six, yet there are clear concerns around their backline as it stands.

Livramento is currently facing eight weeks out with a hamstring issue, while Schar is not expected back until April and Burn is soon set to return after a month on the sidelines.

Their woes have led to Lewis Miley being deployed in an unfamiliar right-back position, but as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, centre-back and left-back are the two areas that the Magpies could look to bolster before the end of the January window.

Newcastle could sign a centre-back and a left-back this month

Fringe defenders Emil Krafth and Jamaal Lascelles are also out injured right now, with boss Howe recently admitting that his squad has been “really stretched” by their numerous defensive concerns.

The Magpies manager has also hinted at the transfer market being available to the club, if they need to utilise it this month, with two positions likely to be added to before any others.

Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “The squad has been stretched to the limit right now at Newcastle with all these defensive injuries.

“I think they have only got Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, Lewis Hall and Kieran Trippier, and Lewis Miley has been used as a right-back in recent weeks as well and has done a really great job there.

“They’re really stretched. If they get any more injuries, they’re definitely going to have to move into that market, I think, to strengthen defensively.

“Losing Livramento is a huge blow because he can play right back and left back. Dan Burn has been a big miss as well, they will hoping to have him back soon too.

“Newcastle, we know they have to deal with PSR and FFP as well, so it’s not easy for them to go out there into the transfer market and bring in a new signing.

“I don’t think there’ll be any knee-jerk reactions from Eddie Howe and the recruitment team at Newcastle. It would have to be a top target or somebody they’ve been watching for a long time.

“If he’s available in the January window then they might pursue it, but if they get any more injuries it might force their hand, and I think there is money there to spend for a centre back and possibly a left back as well.

“So I think it’s something that they will continue to monitor between now and the end of the window.“

Lascelles set to leave Newcastle despite defensive concerns

Magpies club captain Lascelles has been reduced to playing a bit-part role under Howe over the last few seasons, with an ACL injury previously ruling him out of the entire 2024-25 campaign.

Trabzonspor were reportedly plotting a move for Lascelles last summer, but he remained on Tyneside and has made two substitute appearances in the Premier League so far this term.

Fitness issues have meant that he has not featured since a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in September, but despite their defensive woes, Lascelles looks set to leave Newcastle soon.

West Ham are reportedly interested in his services, and so he could well remain in the Premier League despite his lack of game time in the last few seasons.

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