Exclusive: Newcastle's two-man January signing plan revealed

Newcastle are planning to sign a new right-winger and centre-back ahead of the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that Eddie Howe is determined to strengthen his squad heading into the second half of the Premier League season.

Newcastle endured a slow summer window with a lack of first-team signings amid a complicated financial situation, but are prepared to move for their priority signings in January.

This comes amid speculation over the future of Callum Wilson after Football Insider revealed Newcastle are now open to letting him leave upon the expiry of his contract.

However, it has been said that the signing of a new striker will be left until the summer and instead they will focus on more pressing issues next month.

A new centre-back has been on Howe’s list of priorities since Sven Botman’s injury blow, and remains so after they missed out on a big-money deal for Marc Guehi in the summer.

Meanwhile, the right-hand side has been a consistent issue for the Magpies given a lack of top quality options, and they are determined to land an improvement in January.

Newcastle plot moves for new centre-back and winger in January

Scouts at St James’ Park have been working hard behind the scenes to identify potential options who will be available to move in the January window.

Having missed out on a number of key targets in the summer, Newcastle are keen to avoid a similar situation and will not be held to ransom over transfer fees.

Their deal to sign Guehi from Crystal Palace fell through as Palace refused to budge on a lofty £75million transfer fee despite extensive negotiations.

That focus ultimately appeared to detract from their ambitions elsewhere on the pitch, leaving Howe short of depth at the back and on the wing.

However, they are still keen to land a centre-back amid concerns about the lack of quality strength in depth behind Fabian Schar and Dan Burn.

As things stand, Newcastle’s options on the right-hand side are Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almiron, with both Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon struggling to adapt to the role.

This has increased their determination to land a new option, while speculation about Almiron and Barnes’ futures is rife amid suggestions they could be sold to raise funds for reinvestment.

In other news, Newcastle make decision on Bruno Guimaraes exit in January.

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