Newcastle

Mike Ashley is always on the look-out for a deal which makes good financial sense so it is little wonder he is being linked with Shakhtar Donetsk striker Facundo Ferreyra.

Due to the troubles in Ukraine, the Argentine striker has refused to return back to Donetsk and is apparently unwilling to do so until after troubles with Russia have calmed down.

That has prompted a number of clubs around Europe to weigh up a move for Ferreyra, 23, and Newcastle are one of them. He has been on the Magpies’ radar in the past, so he is not a new name on their database.

However, this time around he could be available for cheaper than he would normally go for because of the events in Ukraine. Shakhtar have plenty cash, so they will not be desperate to cash in, but Ferreyra is undoubtedly an option as the Magpies’ search for another striker goes on.

Transfer likelihood rating: 6/10

Ferreyra is not the only attacking name being linked with Newcastle again though. Metz’s Diafra Sakho has been watched on numerous occasions by Newcastle’s chief scout Graham Carr and he is aware that the player could be on the move this summer.

Sakho banged in the goals last season to help Metz clinch promotion to Ligue 1 but in a bid to strengthen the squad further Metz have outlined a willingness to sell at the right price. They want the money to reinvest and make their squad stronger.

While he is on the list of possibilities, Sakho is not thought to be high on the list at St James’ Park so don’t expect anything silly. Newcastle have their preferred attacking targets and Sakho is not one of those.

Transfer likelihood rating: 4/10

Sunderland

IT is that Fabio Borini tale again. This time Sunderland are reviving the possibility of taking the Italian on loan rather than pay the £14m transfer fee.

Borini clearly would prefer to hold on and fight for his first team place at Anfield or at least move to a Champions League club. He wants his place in the Italy squad back and thinks that’s the best way of achieving that.

As time goes on, Sunderland’s chances of landing him could well increase provide Gustavo Poyet does not give up. That is why Poyet is suggesting again that signing a further season long loan agreement could suit everyone. We all await Borini’s decision ... hurry up.

Transfer likelihood rating: 6/10

Poyet is still looking to strengthen his squad in a number of areas and a new name to crop up is Arsenal full-back Carl Jenkinson.

The England Under-21 international has been linked with Newcastle for months after the Gunners offered him on loan to make up for buying Mathieu Debuchy for £12m.

The Magpies are still interested, although their need is not as pressing any more because of the arrival of Daryl Janmaat.

Jenkinson is also under consideration at a variety of other clubs, including Hull, and it could come down to whether he would be happy to compete for a shirt along with other new recruits Billy Jones and Patrick van Aanholt.

Transfer likelihood rating: 5/10

Middlesbrough

Steve Gibson, the Boro chairman, faces a busy week. After successful talks with Doncaster last week, he is on the verge of concluding a £500,000 deal for left-back James Husband.

The 20-year-old is seen as the ideal competition for George Friend and a player with huge potential. Curtis Main has been touted as a possible makeweight in the deal, but regardless of the striker’s feelings it is a near certainty that Husband will be playing at the Riverside.

Transfer likelihood rating: 9/10

Two other very likely deals to take place will be Patrick Bamford and Kenneth Omeruo. The Chelsea duo have agreed to complete loan moves to the Teesside club, which will give Aitor Karanka a much needed boost in defence and attack.

Bamford has spent time on loan at a number of lower league clubs in recent years, while Omeruo’s successful spell at Boro last season has prompted Karanka to take him back with Jose Mourinho’s blessing.

Finally progress is being made on the transfer front, with less than two weeks remaining until Middlesbrough kick-off their Championship season at home to Birmingham.

Transfer likelihood rating: 9/10