Newcastle transfer news: Magpies 'could turn to' 23-goal star 'as the clock ticks down'

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah is 'a target' for Newcastle United in the January transfer window, according to Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie. 

The Magpies have been linked to several players in recent weeks as new manager Eddie Howe looks to improve his side's chances of avoiding relegation this season. 

According to The Telegraph, Newcastle are now closing in on three last-minute deals, with Lyon's Bruno Guimaraes, Brighton's Dan Burn and Nketiah all potentially arriving at St. James' Park.

The 22-year-old has entered the final six months of his current contract with his boyhood club and has rejected the offer of a new deal due to concerns over his playing time. 

Despite Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's exile from the first-team squad, Nketiah has only been awarded 51 minutes of Premier League action this season and appears to have grown tired of watching on from the sidelines. 

As a result, a switch to Newcastle appears to be on the cards after Crystal Palace's long-term interest in his services failed to progress. 

Howe's charges have already added former Burnley striker Chris Wood to their ranks via a £25 million move earlier in the winter window, but with Callum Wilson sidelined through injury, an additional forward has been targeted. 

Downie has revealed he doesn't doubt that Nketiah is someone on Newcastle's radar, but cast doubt over the stage negotiations are at between the relevant parties. 

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In an exclusive interview with GiveMeSport, the reporter said: “I don't doubt that he’s a target, and it's someone that they're interested in.

"Whether it's at that stage, I'm not too sure, but they do need to bring in another forward. He's