The bold Newcastle United and Wolves swap transfer deal which could own the January window

Newcastle United are hoping to begin a charge for Europe as we head into the second half of the season, and may look to secure reinforcements in the January transfer window to help Eddie Howe’s side reach their goal.

The Toon are in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup having won the competition last season but have struggled in the bottom half of the Premier League for much of the campaign, despite qualifying for the Champions League last term. Just five points off the top four, though, everything is to play for and the Magpies will hope to capitalise on the momentum built from successive victories against Burnley and Crystal Palace. Further acquisitions could prove crucial in this.

For bottom side Wolves, the situation is a little different. Having picked up their first victory of the season over fellow strugglers West Ham last time out, even the most ardent of Wanderers fans would agree that a survival push is highly unlikely. Sitting on just six points after 20 games, Wolves’ primary aim will be to prepare for next season under Rob Edwards so that they are ready to go again with their heads held high, even if that is to be in the Championship.

Newcastle linked with return for Wolves’ Strand Larsen

Newcastle have been linked with a return for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen this January, after the Toon saw a £55 million bid for the Norwegian rejected in the summer. The belief is that the 25-year-old would not cost as much now, with Wolves likely to consider bids in January as more valuable than waiting until after a potential relegation in the summer to sell.

Reports by Chronicle Live state that Newcastle head of recruitment Steve Nickson was in attendance at Molineux on Saturday to watch Strand Larsen, with an eye also kept on teenager Mateus Mane, who scored in Wolves’ 3-0 victory over West Ham.

Amidst the belief that Newcastle may have money to spend this month, Strand Larsen is a target to offer competition to Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa up front. There could be competition from Tottenham for his signature, meaning that the Toon may seek alternative methods to get a deal done.

Newcastle and Wolves swap deal could be intriguing answer

Newcastle could offer Wolves the services of Joe Willock as part of a deal for Strand Larsen, leading to what would be one of the headline moments of the January transfer window.

Willock has struggled for minutes in recent seasons amidst recent Leeds links, while Wolves would benefit from his all-action play in midfield in addition to his ability to get forward and contribute to goals. While he may be short on confidence at present, there is little doubt that a fresh start could see the 26-year-old rediscover the form which made him a Toon Army favourite in the past. Furthermore, Willock would rip it up in the Championship if Wolves were to convince him to stick around at the club following their inevitable relegation.

With just 18 months remaining on his contract, Newcastle might struggle to command a massive fee for Willock but would be smart to include him in a player-plus-cash deal for Strand Larsen, in a move which would likely suit all parties.