Newcastle launch triple enquiry as Howe eyes three January signings - The Telegraph

According to The Telegraph, Newcastle United are exploring the possibility of signing Chelsea trio Conor Gallagher, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Hakim Ziyech.

Luke Edwards reports that Eddie Howe is prioritising the arrival of a midfielder, with Bruno Guimaraes, Jonjo Shelvey and Elliot Anderson all managing injuries, but is also looking at wingers and right-backs who could be available this month.

Gallagher is a 'long-term target' of Steve Nickson's - the club's head of recruitment - and someone we've looked to sign on loan in each of the last two summer windows.

However, it's thought Blues boss Graham Potter is reluctant to lose the England international or Loftus-Cheek due to their ongoing injury issues, although it's thought Ziyech has been given the green light to leave, making him the 'most likely' to arrive as things stand.

Following January moves for Mykhailo Mudryk, Joao Felix and Benoit Badiashile, Chelsea must cut two non-homegrown players from their Champions League squad in order to comply with UEFA's squad rules, which may explain why Potter is more inclined to keep Gallagher and Loftus-Cheek over Ziyech.

The 29-year-ol Moroccan was superb during his country's run to the semi-final of the World Cup and would certainly add quality to our attack. Gallagher's ability to fit into Howe's high-pressing system may also appeal, as would Loftus-Cheek's versatility.

I can see why we've made enquiries, as all three could improve our squad in areas where we currently lack depth, but I'd question whether Chelsea would do business with an emerging 'big six' rival - especially when they're currently 10 points behind the Toon!