Newcastle United have reportedly retained an interest in signing Blackburn Rovers youngster Adam Wharton.
Despite their requirement to stay within FFP parameters across the summer, the Magpies made a number of big-money additions during the latest transfer window.
Valentino Livramento, Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes were all brought to St James' Park on permanent deals, as was Lewis Hall from Chelsea on a loan switch with obligation to buy.
Such an arrangement was agreed with Chelsea to help facilitate the move, yet the downside to that is an outlay of £35m having to be taken into consideration when they conduct business in 2024.
The North East outfit are effectively already facing a deficit when it comes to identifying targets for January, that cause being helped by revenue generated from the Champions League.
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Nevertheless, Eddie Howe and the Newcastle recruitment team may have to find a balance with regards to what business that they are prepared to do in the short term.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, through his Patreon, Newcastle are contemplating whether to step up their interest in Wharton.
The 19-year-old has established himself as a regular member of Jon Dahl Tomasson's starting lineup at Ewood Park, making a total of nine starts and one substitute appearance in the Championship during 2023-24.
Those outings have taken place in central midfield, either as a defensive-minded player or slightly further forward, and he is part of a team that currently sit 17th in the Championship.
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However, given the financial cutbacks that have materialised at Blackburn over the summer, club officials may give consideration to cashing in on someone who is effectively their most prized asset.
Nixon hints that Wharton would not have necessarily earned much senior game time had he made the switch to Newcastle before the end of August, although that may now change going forward.
Newcastle allegedly had scouts watch Wharton - who has a contract until 2027 - in action last week and they remain interested in negotiating a deal.
Manchester United, Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace and Everton have also been credited as admirers in recent months.
Darren Plant
