Sky Sports release Toon transfer update and claim move will be announced in 'next 24 hours'

According to Sky Sports, Newcastle have prioritised the signing of a right-back able to cover for Kieran Trippier, while Garang Kuol's loan move to Hearts is expected to go through 'in the next 24 hours.'

North-East reporter Keith Downie states that a move for Harrison Ashby could be revisited after West Ham rejected a deadline day bid over the summer, however European alternatives are also being considered - one of which appears to be Ivan Fresneda of Real Valladolid.

Elsewhere, it's thought a top holding midfielder is 'more likely' to arrive in the summer as things stand, but we are still keen to bring in another wide forward. Chelsea's Christian Pulisic is seen as a 'more viable option' this month and Howe remains a big fan of James Maddison.

Downie adds that the Newcastle boss is wary of 'upsetting the team spirit and morale' created over the last 12 months, aware of the fact our 25-man squad may need to be reshuffled if fringe men are replaced.

With this in mind, outgoings could be key and one player already on the move is Aussie talent Garang Kuol.

Sky Sports have announced that all parties have now 'agreed' for the 18-year-old to spend the rest of the season in Scotland, with Kuol in contention to makes his Hearts debut in Friday night's clash with St Mirren.