Journalist Jacque Talbot has now revealed that it is 'virtually impossible' that Newcastle United could sign Enzo Fernandez in January.

The Lowdown: World Cup winner

Fernandez was a World Cup winner with Argentina, and made a big impression at the tournament in Qatar.

The 21-year-old won the Young Player Award, and was his country's fourth-best performer overall, scoring one goal and making one assist in his seven appearances (WhoScored).

Magpies legend Alan Shearer recently joked that he would like to see Fernandez play for his old club, to which Eddie Howe admitted that his transfer fee may be 'quite lumpy'.

The Latest: January move 'virtually impossible'

Taking to Twitter, Talbot has revealed that a January deal for Fernandez would be 'virtually impossible' to do, amid recent links to the St. James' Park outfit and Liverpool:

"Hear from Portugal that a January move for Enzo Fernandez, the World Cup winner recently linked to Liverpool and Newcastle, would be virtually impossible to do. It’ll be summer transfer - he’ll remain Benfica for the remainder of the season."

The Verdict: Big blow

The fact the Tynesiders would have to wait until the summer if they wanted to sign Fernandez is a big blow in terms of their ambitions of securing a UEFA Champions League place for next season.

They are currently in third place in the Premier League table, four points clear of fifth, and a marquee signing like the Benfica star would definitely elevate their chances.

Hailed as 'extraordinary' by CBS Sports' Nico Cantor after his World Cup exploits, Fernandez has also been a mainstay in a Benfica team sitting comfortably top of the Portuguese top flight, and in the last-16 of the Champions League after qualifying from their group.

Nonetheless, the central midfielder would surely thrive playing alongside fellow South Americans Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, but a January deal for the North East club now looks highly unlikely.