Sports Writer Harrison Smith keeps up-to-date with all of the transfer gossip from across the North-East and beyond.

NEWCASTLE

The search for a goalkeeper at Newcastle has took a significant forward step as the club becomes heavily linked with Sparta Prague keeper Martin Dubravka.

The deal for the 28-year-old Dubravka appears to be moving quickly with manager Rafa Benitez attempting to complete the deal before the weekend if possible.

The deal comes about as interest in signing PSG goalkeeper Kevin Trapp on loan has come to an end with the German keeper opting to stay with the French powerhouse.

West Ham have continued their interest in midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, however the Magpies remain adamant they will not allow the midfielder to go to a Premier League rival with West Ham sitting just two places behind Newcastle by goal difference alone.

Young striker Adam Armstrong completed a loan move to Blackburn yesterday which will keep him there until the end of the season.

SUNDERLAND

A move for free-agent defender Steven Caulker becomes increasingly likely for Sunderland as Coleman looks likely to shore up the Black Cats back line. Sunderland are one of many clubs looking to the former QPR man Caulker as a potential signing in this window.

The potential loan move for Aalesund winger Edwin Gyasi now appears unlikely with the Norwegian club determined to only let the player leave for a fee on a permanent basis rather than on loan.

Sunderland’s top scorer this season Lewis Grabban is a target for league leaders Wolves and mid-table Fulham following his recall from his loan spell at the Stadium of Light. Bournemouth are looking to attain around £7m for the striker in this window.

MIDDLESBROUGH

Versatile Wolves defender and England under-21 international Kortney Hause has been linked with a loan move to Middlesbrough with a permanent deal out of the question as the league leaders see the defender having a long-term future at Molineux.

Hause has become a high priority target for several clubs including Preston North End and Millwall who are also looking to add the young defender to their ranks.

Boro are also considering the possibility of signing Fulham midfielder Kevin McDonald during this window with a fee of around £1.5m being the asking price for the Scotsman.

A deal could be difficult to complete as Scottish giant Rangers are also rumoured to be interested in securing his services which may appeal more to the Scottish native.

The futures of Boro midfielders Adam Clayton and Grant Leadbitter remain uncertain as new Nottingham Forest boss Aitor Karanka looks likely to make a move for the pair to strengthen his new squad.

With Pulis openly stating he is willing to move out some players to trim down his squad, it becomes increasingly likely that both Clayton and Leadbitter may be heading out of Teesside.

OTHER CLUBS

Arsenal have stepped up their interest in Brazilian forward Malcom with a meeting scheduled to discuss the possibility of securing his services from Bordeaux for a fee in the region of £50m.

Manchester United and Tottenham are monitoring the Malcom situation with both clubs keeping up their interest in case Arsenal fail to secure his signature.

Real Madrid are rumoured to be in advanced talks with Tottenham over the transfer of striker Harry Kane who has admitted he has not begun contract negotiations with Tottenham yet.

The Daily Mail reports that negotiations for Kane’s services are so far along he has even chosen the number 10 as his Real Madrid squad number.