OPINION
With the January transfer window approaching, it is no surprise to see Newcastle United being linked with numerous players.
It is clear that the Magpies need reinforcements after their start to life in the Premier League under Steve Bruce this season, with the new boss not having found the right team and system to give him continued success.
Players such as Allan Saint-Maximin and Jetro Willems arrived at St James’ Park and have given the squad a huge boost – being two of Newcastle’s best performers so far.
Should Bruce add fresh faces in January, it could act as another boost to everyone involved in the North East and could see the Magpies’ boss finally start to consistently pick up points.
Tuesday saw the Sun report that Newcastle were on the verge of a £13million agreement with Strasbourg for midfielder Ibrahima Sissoko.
The newspaper suggested that the holding midfield man would jump at the chance to leave the French club to play for Newcastle – something which could make any move a lot easier.
Bruce would be smart to try and secure any potential signings before the winter market opens, so that as soon as it does he can complete any moves and integrate them into the squad, but it might not be as simple as that.
The Chronicle have recently reported that Strasbourg are now lining up a new deal for the 6’4″ colossus midfielder, something which could put a massive spanner in the works of any winter move.
Any new deal for the 22-year-old would all but end any negotiations with Newcastle, who will now be set for an uphill battle between themselves and the Ligue 1 club to try and secure his services.
Bruce has been forced into utilising the club’s youngsters so far this season, with the Longstaff brothers being preferred to experienced options such as Ki Sung-yueng and Jonjo Shelvey.
With many of their options in midfield not performing how they could, Newcastle would certainly be smart to target Sissoko – a move that is not as simple as one first thought.
