Newcastle United could be in line to sign three stars in January, with progress reportedly made in their hunt to recruit a new director of football. Brighton’s Dan Ashworth is the man in question, and the 50-year-old could use his working relationships to propel the Magpies towards safety.
After Newcastle were taken over by a Saudi-led consortium in October, one of their first courses of action was to hire a new manager.
Steve Bruce was given his marching orders after one game under the new ownership, with Eddie Howe coming in as his replacement.
A single Premier League victory since has reinforced the notion that Newcastle must spend in January to provide the best chance of Premier League safety, although the role of transfer chief still remains vacant.
According to The Athletic, Brighton have given the Toon permission to speak to technical director Ashworth, and although thrashing out a deal before the start of the window may be a tall order, Amanda Staveley and co. certainly have plenty of incentive to act quickly.
Express Sport looks at three stars who Ashworth could help the Magpies sign if they secure a quick appointment:
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Adam Lallana
More creativity behind prolific frontman Callum Wilson is also thought to be high on the priority list of Eddie Howe and co.
While Allan Saint-Maximin carries plenty of that burden at present, the French winger could always use back up on an off day, as well as someone who can pull strings in central areas.
Jesse Lingard was touted as one such target for the Magpies, but The Athletic claim that the Englishman will instead see out the season with Manchester United.
In terms of big game experience and natural talent, Lallana may be a strong alternative, and Ashworth could use his Brighton links to lure the 33-year-old to the north east.
Tariq Lamptey
Newcastle are reportedly keen on right-back reinforcements, with Kieran Trippier earmarked for a Premier League return from Atletico Madrid.
But at 31-years-old, Trippier is hardly a long-term option, and the deal supposedly rests on Atletico boss Diego Simeone finding a suitable replacement.
A full 10 years younger, flying full-back Lamptey could be a great alternative if Ashworth can help to negotiate a way out of the player’s Brighton contract.
Newcastle’s director of football target was at the helm when Lamptey joined the Seagulls from Chelsea in 2020, so he could be in a strong position to convince the youngster where to take the next step in his career.
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