TRANSFER ROUND-UP: Newcastle ready to move for Premier League full-back, Middlesbrough midfielder targeted by Celtic, Sunderland hoping for striker breakthrough

With a move for Chelsea wing-back Kenedy having stalled, Rafael Benitez has turned his attention elsewhere as he looks to sign a left-sided defender this month.

So what’s that coming over the hill? Is it a monster? No, it’s the imposing frame of Crystal Palace’s Pape Souare, with the 27-year-old having emerged as Newcastle’s latest loan target.

Souare has made 58 appearances for Palace since joining from Lille in 2015, but missed the vast majority of last season after he was involved in a serious car accident.

He returned to full fitness in September, but has only managed three senior appearances since then, all of which came in the cup competitions.

With Patrick van Aanholt and Jeffrey Schlupp ahead of him in the pecking order, Souare will be allowed to leave Selhurst Park on loan this month. Newcastle are interested, although there is significant competition from a number of other clubs in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

Whether West Ham are one of those clubs remains to be seen. David Moyes is desperate to make additions this month, but his transfer radar appears to have become jammed on St James’ Park. Having already looked at Jonjo Shelvey and Chancel Mbemba this month, the Hammers boss is now considering a move for Christian Atsu, although Newcastle are adamant they will not sell.

MIDDLESBROUGH

We reported last week that Tony Pulis was considering cutting short Lewis Baker’s loan move from Chelsea – and now the midfielder might be pushing for such a move himself, with Celtic reportedly interested in taking him to Parkhead.

Brendan Rodgers is looking to improve his squad in the next couple of weeks, with at least half on eye on his side’s impending Europa League game with Zenit St Petersburg.

Baker surely has no future at Middlesbrough, having not even made the squad for last weekend’s league defeat to Fulham, so an end to the youngster’s current loan agreement could suit everyone.

This morning’s Northern Echo revealed that West Ham are interested in Adama Traore, but Pulis will be extremely reluctant to lose the livewire winger.

And with Steve Gibson determined to do all he can to back his new manager this month, no one will be leaving unless Pulis is keen to see them go.

SUNDERLAND

Having lost both Lewis Grabban and James Vaughan this month, Sunderland are in desperate need of some attacking reinforcements.

Jon Walters remains their leading target – and it is hoped a deal could be agreed for the Irish international before the end of the week.

Walters’ summer move to Burnley has not gone as planned, and Chris Coleman is hoping he can persuade the veteran forward to move to the Stadium of Light on loan until the end of the season.

Sunderland’s leeway in the transfer market will be heavily influenced by what happens with Jack Rodwell – and more specifically, what happens to the midfielder’s £70,000-a-week wages.

With Rodwell keen to leave Wearside in order to make a new start, Sunderland officials are trying to persuade him to write off the final 18 months of his contract.

That would mean him walking away from around £5m though, a scenario that is extremely unlikely. Might a compromise be possible that would still free up some much-needed space on the wage bill?

OTHER CLUBS

Manchester City's decision to end their interest in Alexis Sanchez leaves Manchester United favourites to sign the want-away Arsenal forward on a £350,000-a-week deal, the Daily Mail reports.

The Chile international, 29, is said to have wanted too high a salary for City, who pulled out of the race on Monday.

City's withdrawal does not leave him a shoo-in for United, however, as Chelsea have discussed his terms and are yet to rule out a bid, according to the paper.

As a sweetener, Jose Mourinho may give Sanchez United's fabled number seven shirt previously worn by greats including David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, Eric Cantona and George Best.

Sanchez's impending departure has seen the Gunners open up talks with Borussia Dortmund over a transfer for former Newcastle United transfer target Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to the Daily Mirror.

Arsenal's new head of recruitment, Sven Mislintat, knows the 28-year-old Gabon forward from his time at the Bundesliga club and has recommended him to Emirates top brass, the newspaper reports.

Dortmund are reported to be after £60m for Aubameyang, however, which is likely to lead to delays while a deal is thrashed out.

The Gunners' fund could be boosted by the £20m sale of Theo Walcott to Everton, which could happen this week, the Daily Mirror says.

The Toffees are said to be intent on securing the services of the 28-year-old forward, who may be inclined to move to Goodison Park with the promise of more play.

The England player, who joined Arsenal from Southampton in 2006, has only made six Premier League appearances this season.

Across London, Chelsea's plot to grab Andy Carroll to boost their attacking options is to be met with strong resistance by West Ham, The Sun reports.

The Blues are said to be planning to offer the forward an opportunity to move to Stamford Bridge on loan. Carroll has struggled to be part of Hammers' boss David Moyes' plans while recovering from an ankle injury, however assistant manager Alan Irvine said the 29-year-old remains part of their strategy.

According to the Evening Standard, West Ham are only open to a permanent deal.

Swansea are in talks with Atletico Madrid over potential transfers for France striker Kevin Gameiro and Argentina midfielder Nicolas Gaitan, Wales Online report.

New boss Carlos Carvalhal arrived tasked with keeping the club in the Premier League, and beefing up forward reinforcements is reported to be a priority.

West Ham duo Diafra Sakho and Andre Ayew are reported to have been targets when the transfer season got underway, although the interest is said to have waned.