Steve Bruce looks to clear Newcastle United decks for late January transfer window deals

United are on an 11-game winless run that has seen them plummet to 16th in the Premier League table, just six points above the previously cut adrift bottom three.

And the Gazette understands Bruce is exploring the prospect of adding two new players to his ranks before the close of the January window. It shuts at 11pm on Monday.

A central midfielder has been identified as a priority this month with a dispute with Sean Longstaff creating yet more problems in that department. Jeff Hendrick and Jonjo Shelvey have struggled for form while manager Bruce seemingly has a reluctance to use Matty Longstaff or Isaac Hayden in his preferred position.

Hamza Choudhury is a player who has been on the Magpies’ wanted list for much of the month, although it remains to be seen if an injury suffered by Wilfred Ndidi may have altered Brendan Rodgers’ thinking at Leicester City.

Jetro Willems is a player who has been offered to United – and a short-term deal may well be struck, despite injury concerns.

But, in order for anyone to arrive, United must first offload – and high-earner Ritchie, with fringe man Yedlin appear to be the most likely to exit.

According to a report in the Express, Galatasaray have come to an agreement in principle to sign USA international Yedlin when his current contract ends in June.

They’ve stepped ahead of Istanbul rivals Besiktas recently and could even push for a January deal.

Speaking to CBS Sports recently, Yedlin, who has missed United’s last two due to his work visa running out – it has since been renewed – said: “

"If I am going to leave Newcastle there's steps I need to take in terms of talking to other teams.

"There's been no clarity. My agent has reached out to people at Newcastle and they've responded back saying 'yes, we'll call you' and there are no calls back.”

Ritchie, meanwhile, could return to Bournemouth but the Championship club must find a way of matching the finances of the deal, which ultimately proved the sticking point in their attempts to sign the player last summer.

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