Three men Newcastle could sign as Steve McClaren is granted time and money to save season

Steve McClaren will be given time to save Newcastle from relegation

STEVE McCLAREN will be given more time and extra resources to pull Newcastle out of their slump, according to reports.

 

Manager McClaren took over the club in the summer but has since endured a torrid time on Tyneside.

Newcastle sit 17th in the Premier League having won just two top-flight games all season.

That is despite spending almost £50million on new players during the off-season.

 

It was thought pressure from above was mounting on the boss and that owner Mike Ashley was considering hiring a replacement.

But the Newcastle Chronicle claim McClaren will be given the freedom to spend in January and right the club's misgivings.

And so, News News Blog Sport examines who McClaren could target in the winter transfer window.

 



Newcastle are reportedly considering a £22m bid for Michy Batshuayi



Michy Batshuayi (Marseille)

Striker Batshuayi is reportedly wanted by a number of Premier League clubs but Marseille are holding out for £35m for their ace.

That appears to have deterred Chelsea and Arsenal from making bids.

Yet Newcastle reportedly believe they can land Batshuayi for a cut-price £22m.

The Belgium international boasts 10 goals for Marseille this season, having signed for Standard Liege in August last year.

"Michy is the most gifted of his generation, more complete and technical than Benteke, Lukaku and Origi," former sporting director for Standard Liege Jean-François de Sart wrote in his France Football column yesterday.

"I have rarely seen such a fast, powerful and good striker over the first few meters."

 



Salvatore Sirigu has made just one appearance for PSG this season



Salvatore Sirigu (PSG)

Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu has made just one appearance for the club this season, despite playing almost every game of their 2014/15 campaign.

Sirigu has lost his place between the Paris sticks to summer recruits Kevin Trapp and is reportedly seeking an exit.

He is also wanted by Aston Villa and would command a month wage of around £300,000.

But with Newcastle seeking cover for injured stopper Tim Krul, a permanent or loan deal may be struck up with PSG come the new year.

 

Kemar Roofe has shot to prominence at Oxford United

Kemar Roofe (Oxford United)

Oxford United midfielder Roofe is one of the hottest prospects in League Two and Newcastle are keen on his signature, claim the Northern Echo.

Chief scout Graham Carr has been to the Kassam Stadium to assess Roofe and appears to have given McClaren the green light to sign the 22-year-old.

Roofe has scored 11 goals in 21 games for Oxford this season and said of Newcastle's interest: “I was told about it on Friday, but it’s just speculation and that happens in football.

“I just wanted to prepare for the game.

“Of course it’s flattering and I must be doing something right, but as long as we win games and get promoted at the end of the season, that’s all that matters.”