Club now open to cashing in on £40m Newcastle target in January - Magpies on alert

Newcastle United could accelerate their plans to sign a new striker after players on their list become available.

It has already been reported that Jonathan David's people are in talks with clubs over a summer move with the 24-year-old able to sign a pre-contract agreement with a new club in January.

Newcastle are, or at least should be, amongst the contenders for the Canada international, but it's believed that the competition will be fierce.

However, now it seems as though another striker on Newcastle's shortlist could be available to buy in January as his club looks set to cash in on his good start to the season.

Aston Villa are willing to sell Jhon Duran in January

Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran was linked with several clubs in the summer, Newcastle amongst them, and at one point it looked like the Colombian was off to West Ham, even posing with his arms across his chest, the sign of the crossed hammers on the club's badge.

That move fell apart and Duran remained at Aston Villa where he's got off to an excellent start this season making everyone stand up and take notice by scoring a world-class goal against Everton.

Despite his form, Unai Emery is said to be willing to part with the £40 million-rated 20-year-old in January.

Newcastle and Chelsea are keen on Jhon Duran

Give Me Sport claims that Newcastle and Chelsea are two clubs who could take advantage of the situation.

Duran has bagged four goals in just 161 minutes of football this season but is still seen as the understudy to Ollie Watkins at Villa Park.

That would also likely be the case at Newcastle if Duran were to come as he's unlikely to replace Alexander Isak in the starting lineup. However, we'd imagine he'd leapfrog Callum Wilson and Will Osula in the pecking order at least.

We weren't sold on the idea of Duran in the summer, but watching him so far this season has changed our minds for sure. We'd still prefer Jonathan David, but Duran wouldn't be a bad option.