Newcastle United's January transfer plans are unlikely to be altered following Bruno Guimaraes' ankle injury in the 1-0 win over Fulham. Thankfully for the Magpies the Brazilian is expected to be out for a matter of weeks rather than months following the setback.
Guimaraes' short absence still leaves Newcastle short in midfield, with Howe acknowledging this on Sunday evening. However, Newcastle have always been on the hunt for another body in the middle of the park since Jonjo Shelvey picked up an injury over the festive period.
"It hasn't forced an immediate reaction to say we must do this or whatever, but we'll see over time and reflect," Howe said in the immediate aftermath of the injury. "I want us to be stronger, obviously, if we can. What that looks like, I don't know at this moment in time."
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Shelvey will be sidelined until around March, while Elliot Anderson, another who can occupy one of the three midfield roles, has picked another slight knock in recent days. Those absences, along with Bruno's short spell on the treatment table, mean Newcastle travel to Crystal Palace this weekend light in midfield.
Howe's side are yet to make their move in the January market as Dan Ashworth and his team continue to assess the best options in the short term. Though with less than two weeks remaining, a number of names continue to pop up in relation to a move to Newcastle.
Ruben Neves is a player Newcastle admire and who they may be able to tempt away from Molineux with Wolves struggling this season. "If you ask me at the end of last season I would have said to you, ‘I will leave,’ but I’m still here, so we never know what’s going to happen," Neves admitted recently.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic of Lazio is another name that has cropped up in recent weeks but would demand a huge figure were he to leave this month. The midfielder has been linked with Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea in recent years but has never left Serie A. Make of that what you will.
Another player Newcastle have a firm interest in is Moises Caicedo. Signed by Ashworth at Brighton, the bargain buy has enjoyed a meteoric rise on the south coast and is attracting interest from a host of sides.
However, the Ecuadorian may just prove too pricey, along with James Maddison, for this specific window. Chelsea and Liverpool have also had their eye on Caicedo in recent weeks.
Referencing the quip Graham Potter made about Caicedo's value while still Brighton manager, Brighton chief Paul Barber said: "I'm not sure £42m will even include the boots now, maybe just the laces. But joking aside, every player's value is ultimately determined by the market.
"Graham's comments were part in jest but part serious because Moises has been an exceptional player for us. Since he came to the Premier League, he has developed all the time."
More realistic targets may be found at Stamford Bridge. With Chelsea spending like crazy, a number of their current crop face uncertain immediate futures in west London.
Hakim Ziyech and Conor Gallagher are the two Newcastle really admire. The Telegraph reported this week that Ruben Loftus-Cheek is another on the shortlist.
Gallagher recently earned praise from boss Potter but has struggled to hold down a first-team spot this season. The midfielder is attracting interest from former club Crystal Palace but his versatility makes him an ideal target for Newcastle at this moment in time.
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