Newcastle could bolster their squad and ease Alexander Isak's burden before the window shuts(Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United)

Evan Ferguson signs as Arsenal lose transfer race - Newcastle's dream end to January window

by · Irish Mirror

Newcastle United are flying in the Premier League, and it seems they might dive into the transfer market before the window slams shut.

Eddie Howe's team, unencumbered by European football, have proved to be a formidable force this season. Spearheaded by the seemingly unstoppable striker Alexander Isak, who has already netted 17 league goals, the Magpies are sitting comfortably in fourth place and harbouring real ambitions of securing a Champions League spot once more.

They also boast a 2-0 advantage over Arsenal in their two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final, with the second leg set to take place at St. James's Park. As the transfer window gradually draws to a close, reports suggest that Newcastle are still on the hunt, with certain areas of their squad potentially requiring reinforcement.

We examine what an ideal end to the window might look like for Howe's team, including Isak agreeing to improved terms and Brighton's Irish starlet Evan Ferguson arriving to share the Swede's burden.

Evan Ferguson arrives

While Isak has been outstanding and is undoubtedly Newcastle's first choice, a lack of depth in the forward line could leave them in a spot of bother should the Swede get injured.

Callum Wilson has spent most of the season on the sidelines and will turn 33 this year. Youngster William Osula has shown potential but isn't quite ready to step into Isak's shoes despite scoring against Bromley in the FA Cup.

Ferguson reportedly wants to leave Brighton(Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

An option for the Magpies could be Brighton's unsettled young talent, Ferguson. The 20-year-old Irish international is reportedly on the brink of an exit from the Seagulls due to limited game time this season. This has sparked interest from a host of Premier League sides, including Arsenal, West Ham, and David Moyes' Everton.

The young forward has previously been hailed as a "phenomenal talent" by Toon legend Alan Shearer, and while likely just a loan, his addition could be key during a critical stretch of games. The Magpies are exploring reinforcements elsewhere, too, though specific targets are yet to be revealed.

Isak pens extension

Despite Isak's goal-scoring prowess and outstanding form being key to Newcastle's success, it has also attracted attention from big names across Europe and the Premier League.

The Swedish star has been consistently linked with a move to Arsenal, and even though his current contract doesn't expire until 2028, increasing his salary and ensuring his contentment at St. James's Park has quickly become a top priority.

Isak is set to be offered a new deal(Image: (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images))

It's believed that Isak currently takes home £120,000, and with only three and a half years remaining on his contract, The Telegraph has reported that discussions about an enhanced extension are due to commence this summer, reports the Mirror.

However, if the Magpies feel that their star striker needs to be secured sooner and if Arsenal or any other interested party shows interest, they might choose to offer Isak a new contract in January, giving fans a late Christmas gift.

Jonathan David deal

Another potential addition to the squad could be Lille's Canadian star, Jonathan David. David has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time, with Arsenal and Liverpool also reportedly interested.

David is supposedly being courted by other Premier League clubs(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

The 25-year-old's current contract expires in the summer. Despite facing tough competition for his signature—as reported by ChronicleLive, an unnamed club had a £10million bid turned down - Newcastle could act now and secure a bargain rather than waiting to sign David on a free transfer in the summer.

James McAtee move

If Howe's squad desires midfield reinforcement, Man City's whiz-kid James McAtee could be in the frame as the transfer window looms to a close.

With City welcoming £59m newcomer Omar Marmoush and hopeful for Oscar Bobb's comeback, McAtee's chances seem slim, potentially fuelling his frustration over limited pitch-time, as reported by The Telegraph.

McAtee is said to be frustrated at City(Image: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Miguel Almiron's void in the team opens a spot that McAtee might fill, but Bayer Leverkusen, who are closing in on Emiliano Buendia from Aston Villa, pose competition for signing the talented youngster.

With an estimated price tag of around £25m, the potential exits of Odysseas Vlachodimos and Lloyd Kelly could help to raise funds. the Mail suggests that Newcastle have their sights set on McAtee, and if the 20-year-old does join, it would be a fantastic conclusion to the January transfer window, strengthening the club's midfield.

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