Newcastle United actually enjoyed an excellent transfer window.
While there was initial, obvious, disappointment about the reported takeover falling apart, they managed to strengthen the squad in exceptional fashion.
The signing of Callum Wilson has already paid dividends, the former Bournemouth striker scoring six goals in eight Premier League games.
The signing of Jamal Lewis from Norwich City is a smart one, too, while Jeff Hendrick and Ryan Fraser add depth and quality to the squad. Mark Gillespie, arriving from Motherwell, adds some experience in goal too.
And it appears that they are already looking towards the January transfer window as they bid to bring in further reinforcements for boss Steve Bruce.
Sport Witness carries a report from Tuttosport claiming that they are ready to go head-to-head with West Ham United over a Serie A forward.
Spezia star M’Bala Nzola has enjoyed a rapid rise from Serie C to Serie A and has scored two goals and registered one assist in four games thus far this term.
Both Newcastle and the Hammers are said to have made a move for the forward, who is remaining focused on his career at Spezia at this point in time.
He is valued at £810,000 by Transfermarkt and is just 24.
GIVEMESPORT’S Harry Sherlock says…
This would be a major risk for both Premier League clubs.
While his stats look good on the surface, both of Nzola’s goals came against Benevento in a 3-0 win.
He has not managed to score in any of the other three games; meaning he remains largely untested in the top-flight of Italy.
Nzola made 62 appearances in Serie C, scoring 18 goals, while he played 43 times in Serie B and netted just seven times.
These aren’t good numbers.
While he would be a cheap acquisition, one has to feel that this isn’t a risk worth taking for either Premier League club.