As the January transfer window looms, Newcastle are reportedly keen to secure an immediate agreement for a star player in the coming weeks. Despite their recent takeover suggesting a hefty budget at St. James’ Park, the Magpies have had to navigate carefully due to PSR restrictions, balancing squad value growth with immediate enhancements.

The summer transfer window was a prime example of this delicate balance, as they lost Alexander Isak but managed to secure Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa as attacking replacements. While some transfers drew criticism over the fees involved, there were notable successes, such as Woltemade’s smooth integration and Malick Thiaw’s acquisition from AC Milan for just over £30million, which now seems a bargain.

With the dual challenges of Premier League and Champions League football this season, the January window could offer another chance to bolster the squad with quality additions. Eddie Howe will be looking to navigate a demanding fixture schedule, and new signings could provide much-needed support.

Newcastle have been linked with Ousmane Diomande and Alex Toth, but another name has recently entered the fray. ESPN Brazil claim that Palmeiras’ Allan Elias is a potential target, as the Brazilian club seeks to raise funds in 2026 for squad rebuilding.

Newcastle are keen on securing an immediate transfer agreement for the 21-year-old midfield sensation, who has a hefty £87m release clause in his contract.

However, the final price tag could be significantly less, with Palmeiras having already rejected a £17m offer for the player and anticipating further bids in the region of £28m.

This could represent a savvy investment for Newcastle, acquiring a rising star early in his career at a potentially bargain price compared to his potential worth in the Premier League.

Palmeiras has a proven track record of nurturing talent, with Premier League stars such as Gabriel Jesus and Estevao Willian among its alumni. If Elias is the next to make waves in England, Newcastle fans will be hoping it’s while donning their iconic black and white stripes.

With the Premier League race wide open, Newcastle could emerge as one of the more active players in the January transfer window, particularly if they spot an opportunity to secure a top-tier signing.

When quizzed about the upcoming transfer window, head coach Howe confessed: “No, we haven’t had discussions yet,” but quickly added: “But we will and we will very soon because we need to be across everything that’s going to happen in January. We never quite know what the month will look like.

“You can have a vision of it being quiet or the opposite, and the reality can be very different. So we need to be across it. We need to be prepared for all eventualities.

“Always would love, whether that’s bringing someone in, always keep the squad fresh. And that will be a feeling that you have from within.

“Every window our outlook is to be active. How that looks, I’ve got no idea. Finances, I haven’t had those discussions yet. But we will do in the next few days.”

Ross Wilson, the club’s new sporting director, has also voiced his thoughts on the current state of affairs at the club since his appointment, hinting that more than just the team needs revamping.

He added: “We have to strengthen all the pillars we have in football operations. We have to invest in them all. David [Hopkinson] used the example of data on the stadium side of things, I could say the same on the football side. The data side was way behind what I’ve seen elsewhere.

“Obviously, we’ve made an appointment in recent times, and that’s already helping us up our game right now. But we have to make sure that all the areas in the delivery of elite football operation are improved and enhanced all the time.”