Newcastle backed to gazump Tottenham in race to sign proven attacker in January window raid

Newcastle have been backed to beat Premier League rivals Tottenham to the signing of a LaLiga forward in the January transfer window.

Barcelona star Memphis Depay is being strongly tipped to switch clubs in the new year, with the Catalan giants ready to cash in on the fact that his contract runs out next summer.

Both Newcastle and Spurs are rumoured to be keen on striking a deal for the 28-year-old. However, according to the Daily Mail, it’s the latter who have been offered Depay given their concerns over Harry Kane’s long-term future.

But despite strong links to north London, former Tottenham defender Alan Hutton has backed Eddie Howe’s men to win the race for the ex-Manchester United star.

Speaking to Football Insider, the Scot feels Newcastle need to keep adding quality to their squad in order to reach the next level.

Hutton said, when asked if the Magpies could beat Spurs to Depay: “Probably at this moment in time.

“You watch their games and the way they play, it is really exciting football. They are full of confidence, they are going places and taking steps in the right direction.

“Building it slowly and not just jumping in with two feet and trying to spend loads of money.

“You can see that they are all playing together. There is going to come a time where they are going to have to add quality to try and really compete.

“Depay kind of frustrates me because he is full of ability, it has not quite worked for him. Is he going to fit in to the way that they play? They are very high energy and I do not know if that suits him.”

Mouthwatering Arsenal clash on the horizon for Newcastle

Newcastle have made an incredible start to the new campaign, losing only one of their opening 16 games to sit second in the table.

Having won 3-0 at Leicester on the Premier League resumption, Howe’s men face Leeds at home on New Year’s Eve next.

Following that clash is a huge showdown with current league leaders Arsenal on January 3.

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