Newcastle United's next stage of transfer planning is well under way, with the Magpies looking to the long-term future with their current strategy. After a summer which saw a huge overhaul of the first-team squad and the arrival of eight new players, the club will continue their plan of targeting young talent with bags of potential.
Any January moves could depend on the injury situation and if any serious bids land for members of the current squad, with interest in Joe Willock, Jacob Murphy and Nick Woltemade. However, Newcastle will be keen to act quickly when they next invest and are already scouting the next batch of incoming signings.
Defensive target: Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal
Newcastle could focus on the centre of their defence next summer, with Fabian Schar and Dan Burn both out of contract at the end of the season. Moroccan defender Ait Boudlal is reportedly one of the names on their wishlist, with the 20-year-old catching the eye at Stade Rennais in France.
Ait Boudlal would cost north of €30m, but United have shown they are not afraid of raiding the French market with the signings of Matias Fernandez-Pardo, Ewen Jaouen and Aladji Bamba. He has one senior cap for Morocco, and TEAMtalk report that Newcastle, Brentford, Hull City and Fulham are all keeping tabs on his progress.
Midfield options: Yasin Ayari and Mamadou Coulibaly
Newcastle were linked with the Brighton midfielder over the summer as they looked to bolster their options in the centre of the pitch, but turned their attentions elsewhere, signing Sean Steur, Nico Gonzalez and Aladji Bamba. However, the Sweden midfielder is yet to sign a new deal with the Seagulls, with his current contract expiring next summer. Brighton do have an extra year option, but are looking to tie him down to a longer-term deal.
Football Insider report Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund are keeping close tabs on Ayari's situation on the south coast. He has played seven times for Fabian Hurzeler's side this season, scoring in their 5-0 win over Coventry.
While Newcastle strengthened their midfield this summer following the exits of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, they are aware of continued interest in Joe Willock from Besiktas, and continue to scout for new talent. Reports from Germany suggest United are watching Monaco midfielder Mamadou Coulibaly, with the 22-year-old the latest to impress at the Ligue 1 club.
They aren't the only side with an interest, with Atletico Madrid, Napoli and Brentford said to be keeping an eye on the France Under-21 international, who is valued at around €20m.
