Newcastle may try to sign a high-profile player on loan (with a mandatory purchase clause) in order to get around PSR rules, according to NewcastleWorld reporter Jordan Cronin.
The Magpies secured a similar signing when Lewis Hall arrived from Chelsea last summer and, speaking on the Geordie Journos Show on Shots!, Cronin claimed it could be a solution the club explores in order to bring in two new players before the transfer deadline:
“I think they’ll only sign one- might be able to push for another player on a Lewis Hall-type deal, maybe. This is just our understanding of the finances. Maybe they might spring a surprise and sign two players, two starters.”
“That’s what they need now. It’s no point signing squad fellas, which it feels like they’ve done, to some extent, this transfer window. They need a statement signing, if not a player that you think; ‘right, he goes into the starting XI’.”
Who could Newcastle sign before Friday night?
The top priority for manager Eddie Howe is to recruit a centre-back. The Magpies are desperately short of options in that position, especially with Fabian Schar suspended.
While the club have been working hard on a deal for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, the England international’s £70m asking price has proven to be problematic.
It is believed that the recruitment team are now exploring alternatives, with reports in the German media suggesting an approach has been made for RB Leipzig’s Mohamed Simakan, who is also a Liverpool target.
James Trafford may be brought in
That “Lewis-Hall-type deal” which Cronin references is likely to be Burnley’s James Trafford. Despite the fact that Newcastle have five goalkeepers on their books, Howe is said to be pressing for the 21-year-old’s signature.
It has been reported by multiple sources in the English press that Trafford could be signed on loan with an obligation to buy at the end of the season.
