:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/52989609/630711770.0.jpg)
There was a lot of optimism that Newcastle would land a difference maker early on in this window. It was wishful thinking for a lot of fans, but everyone knew that they would eventually bring someone in to bolster the push for promotion.
Well as I write this, it is January 30, and the Magpies have still yet to add anyone to the squad. Rafa is clearly in need of some new pieces to shift around as we saw with that crushing loss to Oxford.
It appears that the team is hard at work searching for signings. Andros Townsend is a name that could very well be back in a Toon kit by the end of the day tomorrow. Sky Sports is reporting that Newcastle and Crystal Palace are discussing a swap of Townsend for center back Chancel Mbemba.
Sky Sports did indicate that the Mbemba deal would only be a loan. Newcastle desperately need a winger but with Palace fighting so hard to hold on to him, this deal might prove to be really tricky. This could be a situation where Newcastle could be forced into over paying for him if they get too desperate as the deadline approaches.
Saturday featured some very bizarre rumors involved Newcastle and Everton midfielder James McCarthy. The Daily Mail and 90 Min both reported that the Magpies had a £16 million offer rejected for the Irish international. However, the Chronicle reported that the offer never occurred, citing officials at the club. What actually happened is still a bit unclear.
Regardless of weather a bid was made or not, this whole idea is a terrible one. McCarthy obviously plays for a big Premier League side and a competitive international team. However, £16 million is a bit steep for a player that might very well be out of favor at Everton in two months. And regardless, it is too much money for the Magpies to be spending on one player to fix their midfield.
The pressure is on for Newcastle to make a useful signing. They sit just two points off of Brighton with plenty of time to go in the season, but after a defeat as heavy as the one they just suffered again Oxford, it is clear that this team is not as far above Championship competition as once thought.
We will be keeping our eye on any new transfer news over the next 36 or so hours so make sure to check back for more updates as the deadline draws closer.