Newcastle set to change transfer plans ahead of January window - Report

Newcastle look set to prioritise the signing of a new right winger over the arrival of a central defender in January, according to reports.

Courtesy of Mark Douglas at the i, it’s believed the welcome form of Dan Burn, who has expertly deputised in the place of the injured Sven Botman, and continued struggles of Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almiron has led to a change of heart behind the scenes ahead of the winter window.

Douglas writes “Burn’s performances have been good enough to switch the focus on Newcastle’s recruitment away from centre-back options to right wing, an area they sorely need reinforcements.”

“On Saturday current occupant Jacob Murphy delivered the sort of performance that infuriates: plenty of running but precious little cutting edge. It meant Newcastle looked lopsided, reliant on Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak for goals on a day when neither fired.”

Goalscoring has been a major concern for the normally deadly and clinical side Eddie Howe has assembled: it’s been over six hours since the Magpies last scored from open play, and they’ve scored multiple goals on only two occasions this season, against Spurs and Wolves.

Defensively meanwhile, the Toon have definitely exorcised some of the defensive demons from last season, with Burn, Fabian Schar, and Lewis Hall amongst the standout names at the back.

The change could delay Newcastle’s long-term pursuit of Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, who had previously been the discussion of a cut price January bid.

However, the “Newcastle tax” could come into effect if we choose to enter the right winger market this winter, with the January window likely to throw up a lack of available or affordable options in a notoriously tough window to strike good deals.

With that in mind, Toon chiefs may soon have to make a difficult decision in whether they avoid overpaying or risk further fan frustration and a decline in form if they fail to address their current attacking issues.