While a new right-winger is reportedly Newcastle United’s primary target this winter, the club continues to be linked with center-backs as the January transfer window approaches.

Although a move for Marc Guehi appears to be on hold, reports from Italy suggest interest in AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori, while Spanish media have introduced another potential target.

According to Sport, Newcastle have made a formal bid for Barcelona center-back Eric García. The Catalan outlet claims the Magpies have presented an offer that Barcelona finds “interesting.”

Similarly, FootballTransfers reported last week that Newcastle are considering signing the 23-year-old, who is valued at €25m.

Despite limited game time this season – García has made just four starts after an impressive loan spell at Girona – he is reportedly unwilling to leave Barcelona mid-season.

Instead, the Spaniard is determined to fight for his place under Barca boss Hansi Flick and is only open to a potential summer move.

The former Manchester City defender, who made 35 appearances for the club before joining Barcelona on a free transfer in 2021, has yet to secure a consistent role with the La Liga side.

Known for his potential and versatility – able to play as a center-back or holding midfielder – García remains determined to prove himself at the Nou Camp.

If Newcastle’s offer has piqued Barcelona’s interest but not García’s, the club must work to convince him of the benefits of returning to the Premier League or shift their focus elsewhere.

Newcastle previously pursued Marc Guehi over the summer, but it’s expected that the Crystal Palace captain will remain with his club through January, evaluating his future in the summer when he enters the final year of his contract.

Sporting director Paul Mitchell has Eddie Howe’s January wishlist in hand, but it is his responsibility to ensure Newcastle has the best chance of securing European football after narrowly missing out last season.

Mitchell must navigate PSR (Profitability and Sustainability Regulations), as it is expected that Newcastle will need to offload players before making significant signings.

The club managed to avoid a points deduction for the season by selling Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh, a decision that displeased Howe.

However, there are several players who could leave in January. MLS club Charlotte FC is interested in Miguel Almiron, who came close to leaving in the summer.

Newcastle is reportedly asking for £8 million for Almiron, who also has loan interest from Premier League clubs.

Martin Dubravka might also depart, with a potential move to the Saudi Pro League in the works. The 35-year-old has started the last three games for Newcastle, keeping two clean sheets.

Additionally, one of Newcastle’s previous summer targets, Benfica defender Antonio Silva, is reportedly unhappy at his current club. Silva was linked to Newcastle in 2023, but a move was hindered by his £85 million price tag.

Silva, who has made just six appearances in Liga Portugal this season, is said to be frustrated with his reduced playing time.

Newcastle remains interested, and it’s believed they made a €50 million (£41.4 million) offer in the summer, which was rejected by Benfica.

Juventus is also monitoring the situation, though a move to Italy appears unlikely for now. Silva is seen by Newcastle as an alternative to Marc Guehi, who stayed at Crystal Palace despite multiple bids from the Magpies.

Despite limited playing time, Silva has impressed with his performances, averaging 74 passes per game with a 91.4% completion rate.

His ability to complete six long balls per game, just shy of Fabian Schar’s 10, makes him an ideal fit for Howe’s system. As Schar is now 33, Silva could be a future replacement for the Swiss international, who has been a key player in Howe’s squad this season.

As the January transfer window nears, Arsenal are reportedly looking to strengthen their squad to maintain their title challenge. One of the players linked to a move to the Emirates is Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has scored an impressive 27 goals in 25 games this season.

The 26-year-old former Coventry City forward is said to be in negotiations with the Gunners, with Sporting reportedly asking for around €65 million (£54 million) for his services.

Paris Saint-Germain is also believed to be preparing a formal offer for Gyokeres, and he has attracted significant interest from various Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, especially following the appointment of Ruben Amorim from Sporting.

Gyokeres, who has a release clause of €100 million, has already generated around £20 million for Coventry through add-ons tied to goals, appearances, and achievements. The Sky Blues also stand to receive 10 percent of the difference between his transfer fee and the final sale price, with a portion of that amount going to his former club, Brighton.

Spanish outlet fichajes.net claims “his goalscoring ability has not gone unnoticed by the main clubs on the continent, and PSG seems willing to lead the race to sign him.”

The report continues: “With obvious problems in finishing in front of goal, the Parisian team considers the Nordic attacker as the ideal solution to reinforce its attack and regain prominence in the Champions League.

“The 26-year-old striker is having a spectacular season in Portugal, consolidating himself as a key player in Sporting’s squad. His physical power, combined with remarkable technique and an innate goal-scoring instinct, have allowed him to stand out not only in his domestic league, but also in European competitions. These attributes have caught the attention of PSG, who are already working on a formal offer to convince both the Lisbon club and the player.

“Sporting, however, are not willing to facilitate his departure. With a contract in force and a high release clause, the Portuguese club want to get the maximum financial benefit from any operation for Gyökeres. The player’s position will also be key: the Swede is comfortable in Lisbon, but the opportunity to make the jump to a giant like PSG could be too tempting to turn down.”

The article concludes: “PSG, aware of the competition for the striker, will spare no resources to secure his signing. The lack of a leading goalscorer has been one of the main criticisms of the Parisian project this season, and Gyökeres is emerging as the ideal candidate to lead the attack. The operation promises to become one of the most notable moves of the next transfer window.”