Newcastle set to miss out on Dominic Solanke and Kalvin Phillips in January transfer window – Paper Round

Newcastle are struggling to sign Dominic Solanke and Kalvin Phillips in the transfer window, with Financial Fair Play leaving them hamstrung.

The Toon are seeking to clinch a UEFA Champions League spot this term but are finding business tough.

“The Geordies may have the world’s richest owners in the form of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund – but Financial Fair Play restrictions leave them unable to splash their billions.

“Even Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke is out of reach, with boss Howe warning fans not to expect any incoming.

“Newcastle are scouring the market for loans but, as Howe put it, nobody wants to do them any favours.

“Manchester City’s England midfielder Kalvin Phillips is a top target but the Treble winners want more than £7million as a loan fee — a sum Newcastle are reluctant to spend.”

Jesse Lingard is no closer to landing a new club and has sacked his agents, according to the Mirror.

The former Manchester United and Nottingham Forest forward has been linked with a succession of clubs but has had no success.

“The former Manchester United star has been linked with a move to Everton, although an overseas switch to either Major League Soccer or the Saudi Pro League seems more likely. His last professional appearance was a two-minute cameo against the Red Devils in April 2023.

“Lingard became a free agent in July 2022 and was widely expected to join West Ham on a permanent deal, but he decided to sign for Forest on a one-year contract instead. That move backfired, as he was released after failing to score in 17 league games.

“The player has since trained with Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia and been linked with a switch to the United States, but nothing has materialised yet.”

Chelsea are keen on 16-year-old Brazilian Estevao Willian, but there are at least a couple of obstacles, according to the Mail.

The teenager has a hefty release clause of £51.5 million, and is wanted by Barcelona and others.

“The winger has a £51.5m release clause which is unlikely to be reached by suitors who include Barcelona.

“The South American starlet earned the nickname ‘Messinho’ in his youth for his technical similarities to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, and he became the youngest Brazilian player to be sponsored by Nike aged just 10 in 2018.

“Estevao made his senior debut for Palmeiras in December, becoming the club’s fourth-youngest player in the process.”

The Express believes that Alvaro Fernandez’s transfer to Benfica from Manchester United could fund a deal for a free-scoring striker.

Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy is attracting attention across Europe and Erik ten Hag might be tempted.

“United could be sanctioning the permanent deal with the view of raising emergency funds to back Ten Hag with a new striker before the transfer deadline.

“The Dutchman is in desperate need of more goals in his squad, with too many senior stars underperforming in the final third this season.

“Fernandez’s departure could free up enough budget to green-light a swoop for Stuttgart’s Guirassy, who has caught the eye with his prolific form this season.”