Newcastle United will reportedly turn their attention to signing Liverpool defender Nat Phillips as they struggle to secure the signing of primary transfer targets.
Eddie Howe's side have already recruited Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood so far this month and are now aiming to recruit a new centre-back ahead of next week's deadline.
Among the players to be linked are Lille's Sven Botman and Sevilla defender Diego Carlos, but deals are proving complex for the Magpies.
Sevilla are chasing £40million for the services of Carlos, though Newcastle's current offer is understood to be £8m short of this valuation.
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That's according to the Daily Mail, who claim Magpies manager Howe is 'desperate' to land a new defender in the window.
Should Newcastle refuse to meet the demands of the La Liga side, attention could well turn to Phillips.
An unsung hero for the Reds last season as Jurgen Klopp's side secured Champions League football against the odds, the 24-year-old has struggled for game time this term due to the injury recoveries of first-choice options within the side.
The ECHO understands that Liverpool have so far rejected two approaches for Phillips, one of which is from Watford, with interest expected to escalate in the coming days.
Liverpool's asking-price for the centre-back, remains at £15m, with it understood sporting director Michael Edwards points to the £12m sum Burnley paid Stoke City for Nathan Collins last summer.
Newcastle are said to be considering a loan deal, however, with an obligation to buy the Englishman if they achieve Premier League survival.
