Newcastle United have been handed a significant boost in their quest for January signings with the news that one reported target will be allowed to complete a deal this month.
The Magpies have struggled for consistency in front of goal this season and are seeking to improve their attacking options during the mid-season window, though a deal is likely to be on-loan due to the ongoing takeover talks.
Rafa Benitez’s team have only scored 20 goals in 22 Premier Legaue games this season, registering less than one goal a match and leaving them languishing in the bottom half of the table and looking over their shoulder at the relegation places.
In order to preserve their top flight status, Newcastle could do with being more clinical in front of goal and as such are looking at options outside of Dwight Gayle, Joselu and Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Plenty of names have been linked with a move to St. James’ Park but perhaps the most exciting is that of Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi, who is reportedly open to a move this month as he looks to seek further first-team opportunities ahead of the World Cup.
Crucially, Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has now revealed that the former Marseille man can leave in this window if he wishes as The Telegraph quotes him as confirming as such in comments made after last night’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal.
“I was a player, I will understand if someone is worried about the World Cup. I understand it’s very important to keep players very happy to stay here to work with us and I think this must be our priority.”
“To keep the players happy to stay with us, to continue to work with us. At the same time, I was a player and I will understand if someone is thinking in this way (that they need to play more).”
“I prefer to have players very happy to stay here than to have players that are unhappy because when you are unhappy you transfer this to the other players, to me, to my staff and I don’t like this. If we can avoid this, I’d like to avoid this situation.”
However, Chelsea’s squad lacks depth and Conte has long made it clear that departures will not be approved unless replacements are secured first- which could scupper Newcastle’s plans.
