Newcastle’s Christmas wishlist – Right wingers the Toon could target in January

With January fast approaching, we know Newcastle have been linked with plenty of players and forever will be due to the ambition behind this PIF project. Every agent will want to put Newcastle United on their clients list, but, realistically, who do we want and need?

Here’s four right-wingers we could pursue in the New Year:

Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford)

His performances for Brentford have made him a standout in the Premier League, with the Cameroon international bagging eight in 11 games for the Bees this season.

According to The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards and other outlets, he is one of the players top of Newcastle’s Christmas wishlist, although a January move may be challenging. After losing Ivan Toney just a few months ago, would they really allow their latest talisman to leave midway through the season?

Reports have suggested he could be available for around £50m, although that would seem a relatively fair price considering his form, age (25) and his importance to Brentford.

Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)

The Ghanaian has enjoyed a superb start to the season, terrorising left-backs up and down the country and scoring four times in Bournemouth’s first 11 games so far.

He appears to tick several boxes for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle, as he’s not only a versatile right-winger who can play down both flanks, but he’s big, strong, capable with both feet and has the potential to grow with his coaching at the age of 24.

Like Mbeumo, a mid-season deal could be tough and potentially expensive given his importance to the Cherries, but it could be well worth exploring.

Alex Baena (Villarreal) 

Reports suggest Newcastle and Aston Villa are keen on a potential deal for Baena; the 23-year-old Spanish international who is valued at €50million on Transfermarkt and represented by the same agency that looks after Nick Pope and Will Osula.

The talented Villarreal star has shown real potential during his time in La Liga. After netting five goals and a whopping 18 assists last term, he’s shown his creative qualities this season with five assists in their opening 11 games.

Eddie Howe tends to prefer domestic signings in the middle of the season, feeling the summer gives overseas arrivals more time to integrate and settle, but Bruno Guimaraes was an exception and few January’s ago and look how that turned out!

Anthony Elanga (Nottingham Forest)

 Another player excelling this season after Forest’s superb start. He’s young, has pace to burn and is someone we did attempt to sign on two occasions over the summer; at the end of June as part of Anderson’s switch and on deadline day, with Sky Sports suggesting a £40-50m bid was lodged.

Is he really worth that? I’m not so sure – some feel it was a panic bid for someone who wouldn’t really take us to the next level. Speaking about our interest a few months ago, he said:

 “It is clear to see who are interested [in signing me]. It means that I’m playing good football, when a big club shows interest. However, Nottingham Forest is also a big club. They have won two Champions Leagues, even though it was before I was born… but I am happy in Nottingham and have a contract there. I am focusing on Nottingham Forest and I hope to have a good season, then we will see what happens…

“Alexander Isak talked to me about it (Newcastle United interest in signing Anthony Elanga). However, I said the same to him, as I say to you. We have a good relationship and good chemistry when we play together [for Sweden] but I have a contract with Nottingham Forest…”

Time will tell, but it could be an interesting window given our lack of spending over the summer. Comment below with a right-winger you’d like to see us pursue this winter…