Newcastle United get transfer green light as Liverpool's £15m forgotten man weighs up future

Newcastle United's hunt for a right-sided forward proved fruitless in the summer transfer window, but could be rekindled in January when trading opens for the brief winter opportunity.

The Magpies had made a move for Crystal Palace's Michael Olise but lost out to Bayern Munich for the £50m French international, and were then linked with a series of potential candidates before opting to keep their powder dry. A late enquiry for Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga came to nothing with United deciding not to follow up interest after hearing his pricetag.

The January window brings fresh opportunities, although it's often hard to land the bigger names with prices inflated and clubs reluctant to allow their better players to leave mid-season. There are deals available, of course, but Newcastle will have to box clever if they are to secure a move which works without jeopardising PSR concerns.

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One nig name United were linked to over the summer was Italian international Federico Chiesa, with the forward opting to join Liverpool after being told he had no future at Juventus. The 27-year-old was Arne Slot's first signing at Anfield at a cut-price £15m but has failed to make much of an impact so far.

That has sparked rumours of a potential return to Italy, with talk of a January loan move to Inter Milan mooted. Sources in Liverpool suggest there are no concerns over Chiesa, with the winger struggling with injuries. However, he has made just one Premier League appearance so far this season, and three in all competitions.

He's missed the last five matchday squads as he looks to build up match fitness, and Tuttosport report that Italian champions Inter are now ready to make a move. That could put Newcastle on red alert as they weigh up their January transfer options.

Whether Liverpool would be willing to allow Chiesa leave on loan to Premier League rivals is doubtful, although the fact he wouldn't be able to play against the Reds and could potentially help Eddie Howe's side take points from their Premier League rivals could work in their factor.

It's a tactic Jose Mourinho often used in his first spell at Chelsea, but it would depend on whether Liverpool feel Newcastle are a direct Premier League rival. While the Magpies have eyes on a top-four place, Slot's side are hopeful to mount a challenge for the title, and indeed are already five points ahead of Manchester City.

Regardless, Newcastle will no doubt be monitoring Chiesa's situation as they draw up January plans, with the likes of Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo and Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo also thought to be on their radar.