Player ‘could have gone’ to Newcastle in January – Now up for sale, PL ‘still very interested’

Newcastle United could be given a clear run at Yannick Carrasco in January, after he ‘could have gone’ to the club in the summer.

That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who say the Belgian was close to a move to St James Park in the previous winter transfer window.

They cover the Belgian today, naming him as one of the likely candidates to be sold by Atlético Madrid as they to make up a hole in their finances.

Their failure to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages has left them needing to make up a €30m gap in their finances, which has already been added to a €40m gap from the summer.

Thus, big-name players are likely to be sold in January and Carrasco is one of those on the list of sellable assets.

He already had ‘good offers’ from England this year and ‘could have gone to Newcastle’ at that point. He stayed out of loyalty but has not received the improved terms he was offered.

His performances have also not been what they were and so he is now on the list of players who Atlético would be happy to move on.

The Premier League is ‘still very interested in him’ and although Newcastle aren’t mentioned at this point, it would be surprising if they weren’t taking a look.

It’s been established over the last few weeks that Eddie Howe would like to add another winger/forward to his squad and given Carrasco is an old target, who they were close to signing, it would make sense for a renewed effort now he is being made available.