Newcastle brace for transfer dilemmas as suitors circle

Newcastle United are preparing themselves for some big decisions in the final 10 days of the January transfer window, as suitors look to take advantage of their spending restrictions.

The Magpies have already rejected loan bids from European giants Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid, for key players Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson respectively. However, the club is bracing for potential follow-up offers that could present dilemmas, after CEO Darren Eales suggested such situations may arise due to Financial Fair Play rules.

Eales’ comments came after Newcastle reported £73.4m losses last month. While this sparked fears that prized assets like Sven Botman, Bruno Guimaraes or Alexander Isak could be sold, it seems to have prompted interest in other saleable stars.

There is no great desire to sell 33-year-old England full-back Trippier, who has 18 months left on his deal. However, a big cash offer could leave United with a decision to make, eased by the summer capture of Tino Livramento.

Similarly, 31-year-old striker Wilson has 18 months on his contract as he returns from injury. With no depth behind Isak up front, a replacement would need to be lined up first.