Newcastle United: Two more incomings expected

Newcastle United are expected to make two signings before the end of the window – namely a forward and a right-back, according to journalist Jordan Cronin.
The Lowdown: Quiet window
Considering the Magpies’ two previous transfer windows under their current owners, which saw them spend €101.1m (£88m) 12 months ago and €136m (£118.4m) last summer, it’s a surprise to see them yet to make a first-team signing.
With Chris Wood heading out the door to join bottom-half Premier League side Nottingham Forest for what could be an eventual £15m at the end of the season (via Sky Sports), you’d be even more shocked not to see the Toon at least fill his place in the side.
The Latest: Cronin’s update
Speaking on the Loaded Mag NUFC YouTube channel, Newcastle World reporter Cronin claimed that Eddie Howe may eventually be able to welcome some new arrivals to his Champions League-chasing side.
He said: “I think there probably will be two incomings. As I say, I think there’ll be a forward, and then I think the other position as well could be a right-back as a backup to Kieran Trippier.
“Harrison Ashby at West Ham still a player that is that is on the radar, we also had [Ivan] Fresneda – there was strong interest there, but it now looks like he, from reading other people’s reports, it looks like he’s off to Borussia Dortmund.”
The Verdict: Moves to watch
Potential moves for a right-back and striker make perfect sense for the Toon, as with Wood set to leave permanently, he could be replaced within the squad, whilst Trippier is only currently deputised by Javier Manquillo – who’s played just 10 minutes of Premier League football this term – and the injured Emil Krafth.
Real Valladolid full-back Fresneda has been hot property this window, but with Cronin of the belief he’s likely heading to Dortmund, Newcastle may still act on 21-year-old Ashby, who is yet to feature a minute in the league for West Ham United, leaving a move for him perhaps more likely.
Newcastle are still reportedly pushing to sign Anthony Gordon from Everton (via Sky Sports), and he may fit the bill in terms of Wood’s replacement, although far from like-for-like, with Wood a 6ft 3in target man, whilst the 21-year-old is more of a flying winger who can be deployed across the frontline, potentially serving as a versatile alternative in the squad to the New Zealander.
