Newcastle United plot £60m January raid as Spurs 'hold talks' for ex-Barcelona star

We begin Wednesday's Premier League transfer rumours round-up with news of Newcastle United and their intention to go toe-to-toe with Real Madrid for one of the brightest young defensive talents in world football. According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Magpies are willing to table a bid of around £60.2 million to sign Goncalo Inacio from Sporting CP, but will have to fend off competition from Real to do so.

Despite being just 22 years of age, the centre-back has made over 150 first team appearances for his current club, and has established himself as a regular senior international for Portugal as well. As things stand, it is suggested that the player would prefer a move to Spain over St. James' Park, but with Newcastle considering a January bid, it remains to be seen whether his stance in that regard is unshakeable.

The 3AM Verdict: There's no doubting Inacio's pedigree or talent, and if Newcastle are serious about establishing themselves as a genuine European heavyweight, then these are exactly the kind of deals that they must be aspiring to. Whether this specific one comes off remains to be seen, but it is at least one to keep an eye on.

Spurs in Todibo talks

Elsewhere, Tottenham are understood to be in talks with OGC Nice over a potential January deal for centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo. According to football.london, Spurs are eager to strengthen at the heart of defence following their recent injury crisis, and have seemingly identified the Frenchman as one prospective target.

The 23-year-old previously spent a stint at Barcelona after beginning his career with Toulouse, but returned to his home country on a permanent basis back in 2021 after initially signing for Nice on loan. So far this season, Todibo has featured 14 times in Ligue 1, with his current club second in the table, five points adrift of league leaders Paris Saint-Germain.

The 3AM Verdict: After a little bit of a false start in his career, Todibo has really kicked on in recent seasons to establish himself as a properly impressive defensive general. A lot of his will ultimately depend on price, but if Spurs can agree a decent fee for the player, then this could prove to be a really canny acquisition by Ange Postecoglou's side.

Brentford receive Kiwior snub

And finally, Brentford have reportedly had a move for Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior rejected. According to CalcioMercato, a number of sides from across Europe have sounded out the Gunners over the prospect of a mid-season loan for the 23-year-old, who has featured just seven times in the Premier League since completing a summer transfer to north London.

Among the chasing pack are Brentford, who are said to have enquired about the Poland international's availability, only to be met with a 'flat no'. Meanwhile, AC Milan, AS Roma, Napoli, and Lazio ‘have already made moves’, while ‘there is competition’ from OGC Nice as well.

The 3AM Verdict: While Kiwior is struggling for game time, it is understandable that Arsenal would be reluctant to let him leave the club on loan just yet. Injuries have already laid bare just how thin the Gunners' squad actually is at times this season, and with domestic and continental ambitions to fulfil this term, Mikel Arteta will presumably want to maintain as much depth as possible in the coming weeks and months.