Newcastle now classed as 'outsiders' in race to secure services of England midfielder

Newcastle United's status right now is a strange one, seen to be a potential club to upset the "Big Six" but not quite there yet.

It's that limbo status that could be an issue in the transfer market for Eddie Howe's side as players will know that the potential is there, but there's still work to be done, so unless a player is willing to work for the glory, there's always a feeling that they'll take the easy route if it's available.

Newly-capped England player Angel Gomes is a player that Newcastle reportedly have their eye on as he look set to leave Lille at the end of the season as a free agent.

Unfortunately, Manchester United are keen to bring him back and Tottenham and Liverpool are also interested, which Give Me Sport says places Newcastle as outsiders in the race.

Getty Images

Angel Gomes can sign a pre-contract agreement in January

A lot can change between now and the end of the season, obviously, but as things stand this season, Newcastle are the only one of the four club unable to offer European football, so unless we finish in the upper echelons of the Premier League this season, it's going to be a tough sell to lure Gomes to St James' Park.

Crucially, though, as Gomes plays outside of England, he is able to sign a pre-contract agreement in January which means Newcastle may need to be in a strong position in the league at the turn of the year to help their cause.

Gomes is likely to demand £150,000-a-week in wages too, which would seat him right at the top of the tree at Newcastle which could be another stumbling block.

Newcastle will still fancy their chances despite being the underdogs

Newcastle are unlikely to rule themselves out of a move given Gomes' talent and the fact he'd be available on a free transfer.

He'd be a fantastic addition to the squad, but really, he plays in a position that we more than have covered right now, so unless Eddie Howe is eyeing a change of system or letting someone go next summer, we're not sure where he will fit in.

We'll have to see how this one goes in January and how the league is looking, but we'll not be holding out breath for this one.