It promises to be a quieter month than many would like on Tyneside as Newcastle United ponder how to navigate a winter window with limited funds at their disposal.

Eddie Howe continues to remind everyone that this month will consist of outgoings before incomings as the Magpies keep a close eye on their coffers amid ongoing PSR concerns. That hasn't stopped Newcastle's transfer team casting their eye over exciting talents on the continent as they seek a bargain or two when the time is right.

One name that has continued to crop up in recent weeks is that of Abdukodir Khusanov. The Lens centre-back, 20, has enjoyed a stellar breakout season in Ligue 1 and has a wealth of suitors chasing his signature.

READ MORE: Chelsea make 'we knew Newcastle United would' claim and address Marc Guehi transfer talk

READ MORE: Martin Dubravka handed Newcastle United ultimatum as huge decision looms

That suits super agent Jorge Mendes down the ground as he attempts to find a new home for the Uzbek international this month. Manchester City, unsurprisingly, are at the front of the queue.

Pep Guardiola's side are set to spend big to get back on track and are said to be 'close' to securing Khusanov's arrival for a fee of around £30m. That, at present, appears to be a figure out of Newcastle's reach.

With the north east outfit chasing top four and in desperate need of first-team reinforcements after two successive windows without strengthening, Howe isn't currently lining up deals of that nature.

When quizzed last week over links to signing Man City star Jack Grealish, the boss responded: "Financially? [Do we have the resources to sign a player like that?]. I don't believe currently we have.

"I think we are not really looking or concentrating on incomings we are focused on the massive games we have ahead. That is the only thing we are focused on."

It was a similar story earlier in the month when PSV's Johan Bakayoko was linked with Newcastle, for a similar fee to that of Khusanov.

"I think everything has got to align, I think there has got to be a lot of things that come together," Howe said then. "It's got to be right, not just for the here and now but for the future as well.

"We've got to be responsible to make sure any decision we make doesn't affect us in future windows as well.”

Newcastle are yet to receive any offers for any fringe players, while Howe is fighting to keep Martin Dubravka at the club. Meanwhile, amid links to Khusanov, the boss has three solid central defensive options at his disposal.