Newcastle now expected to make January bid for league champions ‘indispensable’ star

Newcastle are already being linked with a busy January as Matthias Jaissle continues to shape the squad in his image.

The summer brought major change at St James’ Park, but the latest rumours suggest their work is far from finished.

REUTERS/Scott Heppell

Midfield remains a particular area of interest following the departures of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães.

Brighton’s Yasin Ayari has emerged as one possible target.

Newcastle reportedly looked at the Sweden international during the summer and could return if his contract discussions on the south coast fail to produce an agreement.

Brighton hold an option to extend his deal, however, so they are under no immediate pressure to sell.

There has also been fresh talk around Eintracht Frankfurt forward Younes Ebnoutalib.

Newcastle are said to be monitoring the 23-year-old alongside Tottenham, Brighton and Everton, although no formal approach has yet been made.

Gabriel Sara can now be added to that growing January list.

Newcsstle expected to make January bid for ‘indispensable’ Gabriel Sara

According to Turkish newspaper Takvim, Newcastle are expected to make an official offer for the Galatasaray midfielder when the window reopens.

The Magpies tried to sign him in the summer but were unable to complete a deal, while Everton are also being tipped to hold talks over a possible move.

Sara would offer something slightly different to the midfielders already available to Jaissle.

Valued at £23m, the 27-year-old is at his best as a number eight, where he can collect the ball from deeper areas before driving his team forward. He is also comfortable operating higher up the pitch and has the technique to create chances around the penalty area.

That flexibility would be useful for a Newcastle side still settling after such a dramatic squad overhaul.

Sara is not simply a defensive screen or a specialist playmaker. He can help move the ball through midfield, carry it under pressure and arrive late in attacking positions.

The Brazilian has previously admitted that playing in the Premier League is one of his career ambitions.

He also made it clear that he remains happy and focused at the Turkish Süper Lig champions, meaning Newcastle cannot assume he will push for an exit.

Galatasaray are in a strong position, too.

Sara remains under a long-term contract, and his ability to play several midfield roles makes him an ‘indispensable‘ member of their squad, which is apparently how manager Okan Buruk views him, according to Takvim.

A January deal is therefore unlikely to come cheap.

For Newcastle, the decision may come down to readiness. Ayari would represent a younger option with room to develop, while Sara looks capable of making a more immediate impact.

The interest is still at the report stage, but Newcastle have followed Sara before and now appear ready to try again.

If Takvim’s information proves correct, he could quickly become one of the main names to watch on Tyneside in January.