Newcastle offer fading Real Madrid star 'last big chance' as transfer move weighed up

Posted Thursday, December 30, 2021 by Express.co.uk

NEWCASTLE boss Eddie Howe is preparing for a big January transfer window.

Newcastle are reportedly set to offer Real Madrid outcast Isco a ‘last big chance’ in the January transfer window. The Magpies are likely to spend big money to claw their way towards Premier League safety following October’s eye-watering £305million Saudi-backed takeover.

Eddie Howe’s side proved that they might have enough to escape relegation to the Championship with an excellent performance against Manchester United on Monday.

They were exceptionally unlucky not to take all three points against the Red Devils.

Allan Saint-Maximin’s stunner put the home side ahead and they were largely dominant. However, substitute Edinson Cavani equalised in the second half for United.

Red Devils goalkeeper David De Gea made a superb late save to deny Newcastle’s Miguel Almiron after Jacob Murphy slammed the base of the post.

Newcastle offer fading Real Madrid star 'last big chance' as transfer move weighed up
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe will reportedly target an Isco Real Madrid transfer (Image: GETTY)

The Tyneside outfit remain 19th and have won just once this season, but the performance was a positive advert to potential signings who might have been concerned by the club’s league position.

One of those transfer targets is apparently Spain midfielder Isco.

According to Spanish outlet El Espanol, Newcastle will hand the playmaker the chance to leave in the winter window.

Isco has struggled for game time in recent seasons. He has played only seven times in La Liga this campaign.

The 29-year-old’s contract expires in June 2022 and El Nacional claim that it is likely that he will leave on a free transfer next summer.

However, Newcastle could come in for the discarded star next month in a bid to improve Howe’s squad.

Isco is one of several big names to be linked with St. James’ Park. Loosely linked with a transfer have been the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Eden Hazard and even Kylian Mbappe due to their new riches.

Newcastle appeared short of options in midfield during the first part of the season but they have been bolstered by the knowledge that usual striker Joelinton can play in the role.

The Brazilian was excellent in a midfield position during the draw with United.

Newcastle offer fading Real Madrid star 'last big chance' as transfer move weighed up
Real Madrid outcast Isco could reportedly secure a Newcastle transfer (Image: GETTY)

Having conceded 42 goals Premier League goals already this season, Howe might want to prioritise improving his defence.

However, his plans might have changed after revealing that the injury striker and top scorer Callum Wilson suffered on Monday might be serious.

The Newcastle boss, who replaced Steve Bruce in November, said: “Callum's injury looks severe, weeks maybe months. I feared for him when he went down with nobody around him. A pull. Allan [Saint-Maximin] I don't think is as serious.

“We are thin on the ground in terms of bodies.”