From Trippier to Aubameyang: The European stars who could be on their way to Newcastle over the coming weeks

Watching their last two Premier League meetings against Everton and Southampton get scrapped over the past week, all eyes will undoubtedly now fall on what could be a hectic January transfer window for Newcastle.

Still firmly battling it out at the foot of the table and in a real scrap to maintain their top-flight status this season, fans around St. James’ Park know that it is essential for their super-rich owners to immediately splash the cash.

Controversially taken over by a Saudi-backed consortium back in October, it is no secret that the Magpies are linked with a host of top European names now the window has reopened.

Expected to flex their new financial muscle over the coming weeks, we have taken a look at a few stars who have been linked with a move to the north east.

Kieran Trippier – Atletico Madrid

Only showing a host of defensive issues under both Steve Bruce and new boss Eddie Howe this season, there is no doubt that Newcastle are desperate to bring in reinforcements immediately.

While the January transfer window might have only opened a few days ago, it appears that the Magpies are close to announcing what would be an eye-catching first arrival at St. James’ Park.

With Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone making it clear over the weekend that he expects Kieran Trippier to be leaving the Spanish capital, Sky Sports reported on Saturday that Newcastle have made an official bid for the England international.

Rumored to have already agreed on a deal that would see him become the highest-paid player in Newcastle’s history, The Sunday Telegraph have also reported that the 31-year-old’s arrival could be announced in a matter of days.

Sven Botman – Lille

While all signs might be pointing towards Trippier being the first new arrival at St. James’ Park over the coming days, Howe has reportedly made it clear that he further wants to add to a struggling defence.

In what would undeniably be a real statement of intent for the Premier League relegation scrappers, The Daily Mail suggested over the weekend that the former Bournemouth boss has his sights set on one of Europe’s most in-demand central defenders.

Playing a vital role as Lille shockingly claimed the Ligue 1 title last season, it has been reported in France that Sven Botman is set to be on the move this month.

A Dutch U21 international who has only continued to gain a host of plaudits while on Champions League duties this season, Newcastle are reportedly keen on agreeing to a £30million deal.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Arsenal

Although Newcastle might open 2022 right at the heart of a relegation scrap, that does not appear to have dampened the Magpies’ expectations of what they can achieve this month.

With attacking talisman Callum Wilson facing another long-term spell on the sidelines with a calf injury, The Sunday Mirror shocked many over the weekend as they suggested that Howe’s side have their sights set on a real Premier League star.

In what would be a blockbuster move, it was reported that Newcastle have already reached out to Arsenal about a potential deal to bring Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to St. James’ Park.

Currently in north London limbo after a public falling out with Mikel Arteta last month, The Sunday Mirror’s report suggests that Howe’s men are hoping to complete a loan switch with a view to a £20million summer move.

Georginio Wijnaldum – PSG

Dealing with a real injury crisis in the north east and with Isaac Hayden now ruled out for two months with a knee injury, it has been suggested over the weekend that Newcastle are keen on bringing back one of their former stars.

Making it clear last month that he is not happy in Paris after making the move from Liverpool on a free transfer, it is believed that PSG are already willing to let Georginio Wijnaldum leave this month.

Hoping to secure an immediate Premier League return before the window slams shut, The Daily Star are suggesting that Howe’s men will be looking to complete a sensational swoop.

Helping Liverpool lift both the Champions League and Premier League titles during his five-year stay at Anfield, there is no doubt that Wijnaldum would be welcomed back to St. James’ Park with open arms.