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Lee Ryder

Newcastle note book: New targets discussed ahead of winter transfer summit meeting as January pledge emerges

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is not specifically looking at just one position in the January window - despite signing off from the summer trading period looking for a winger.

Back then Leeds United's Jack Harrison and Leicester City's James Maddison were high on Newcastle's wish-list. But it is understood that United scouts - who have been jet-setting across Europe since September - have checked out both targets in the full-back position and strikers as well as wide men.

One player who has been monitored is World Cup-bound Canada striker Jonathan David of Lille. The 22-year-old has netted nine times for Sven Botman's old club and is being watched by Arsenal.

READ NEXT - The must NOT miss long read on Eddie Howe's first year in charge as players, agents and insiders look back

Newcastle have also been heavily linked with Leandro Trossard of Brighton with Chelsea also keeping tabs. Brighton are looking for a £30million fee.

Unlike previous windows, though there is no sense of fear or urgency behind the scenes with Howe and his backroom team safe in the knowledge there will be financial backing if needed. And it will be a far cry from last January when Newcastle were quoted inflated transfer fees.

Indeed, the Magpies were asked to stump up £60million for then Seville target Diego Carlos only for him to be sold to Aston Villa for less than half that price six months later. Howe was calm when asked about transfers on Friday and said: "We haven't discussed January yet, in terms of finances and approach.

"At the moment, we are focussed on three games coming up, then in the break we will look to January and see what our options are."

As reported on Chronicle Live last Saturday, a transfer summit will take place during the World Cup and will be headed by sporting director Dan Ashworth.

Eddie Howe's most asked question in Press conferences

Eddie Howe admitted he'd been asked time and time again how he'd got the best out of Miguel Almiron this season. When Howe arrived Almiron couldn't buy a goal.

And his first goal under Howe against Crystal Palace came after 15 months without scoring. But this season he has been a revelation with seven goals to his name and is in the top five of the Premier League's marksmen.

Howe though has played down his own managerial contribution and said: "He's just worked tirelessly on all aspects and is now playing in a team that is performing really well.

" His confidence levels have risen from the good form. If you add those things together, you get an end product."

Sean Longstaff run set to continue

Eddie Howe has Jonjo Shelvey back from injury now but does not think that Sean Longstaff is the man to step aside.

Longstaff has been in great form during United's eight-match unbeaten run, and Howe said: "He's been excellent since he's come into the team. He gives us a drive and endurance that if he wasn't there we'd miss."

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