Three Chelsea stars on Newcastle’s nine-man January transfer shortlist

Robin Bairner

• 20 Jan 2023 03:13 CST
• 3 min read

Newcastle have pieced together a nine-man January transfer shortlist that is headlined by a trio of Chelsea stars.

The Magpies are enjoying a fine season under manager Eddie Howe as they lie fourth in the Premier League and are well placed to challenge for a Champions League spot next season.

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As well as having one of the best attacking records in England, they also boast the top-flight’s best defence, yet the arrival of Saudi Arabian ownership has brought a clamour for big-name signings that have not yet arrived.

That may continue to be the case during January, though according to the Telegraph, the St James’ Park club do have some exiting names on their shortlist.

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Newcastle’s transfer shortlist

Howe has indicated that Premier League experience is seen as a prerequisite to any arrivals at this juncture, but new signings are not guaranteed.

Hakim Ziyech headlines a list of three Chelsea players Newcastle are eyeing, with the winger having been linked with a move from Stamford Bridge for the last six months.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is also considered a target but is considered to be less “gettable”. Newcastle are attracted to the fact that he can play in central midfield or, in a pinch, at right-back, where he could offer cover for Kieran Trippier. That has been a problem position for the Magpies all season.

The final Chelsea player that Newcastle are presently eyeing is Conor Gallagher, who they looked at before.

Newcastle are also keeping close tabs on Anthony Gordon of Everton, Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans and his team-mate James Maddison, as well as Wolves’ Ruben Neves and Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay.

FootballTransfers exclusively revealed that Real Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda is a significant target, but he is seen as a player for the future and not necessarily someone to come in and immediately bolster their top-four challenge.

Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund sensation Youssoufa Moukoko, who remains in contract negotiations with the Bundesliga club, is open to a move to Newcastle.