Newcastle United's Saudi Arabian break has come under scrutiny from Premier League pundits, but it could open the door for one arrival.
Eddie Howe admitted he was frustrated by the lack of transfer activity in the lead-up to the win over Leeds United and the Toon have just one week remaining before the January transfer window slams shut.
The Magpies landed in Jeddah this morning ahead of a weeks' warm-weather training camp despite question marks over their ability to bring in players from ashore.
READ MORE: Newcastle United touch down in Saudi Arabia ahead of warm weather training camp
It does seem highly unlikely that Newcastle would fly incoming players out to Saudi Arabia to link up with Howe and his squad, especially as their time in Jeddah draws to a close.
Mehrdad Ghodoussi has stayed behind in an attempt to further negotiations with potential targets, while Amanda Staveley accompanied the Magpies to the Middle East.
However, Newcastle are not the only side to head abroad during the Premier League break.
A handful of Manchester United players are currently in Dubai and the Magpies remain hopeful of landing Jesse Lingard before the window closes - training at the same complex they visited a few years prior.
Whether that is a permanent deal, or a loan move until the end of the season - remains to be seen - but Newcastle could logistically bring in the England international before landing back in the North East.
The journey from Dubai to Jeddah is considerably shorter than the trip from the UK, which could logistically open the door for Lingard.
The Red Devils have played hardball with Newcastle so far, with Ralf Rangnick's side keen on keeping the 29-year-old at Old Trafford beyond the summer, when his contract is set to expire.
Lingard is understood to be frustrated by a lack of game time at the Red Devils and has turned down contract offers to stay in Manchester, according to reports.
The attack-minded midfielder spent the second half of last season on loan with West Ham United and was rejuvenated, narrowly missing out on Gareth Southgate's Euro2020 squad.
With the World Cup on the horizon, Lingard is keen on re-establishing himself in the Three Lions squad.
Newcastle are also understandably keen on bringing Dele Alli to St. James' Park, with the midfielder absent from Antonio Conte's Tottenham squad against Chelsea.
