NEWCASTLE UNITED will examine the possibility of signing Brighton forward Leandro Trossard during the January transfer window, with Eddie Howe looking to ‘cherry-pick’ potential targets at the turn of the year rather than embark on a major squad overhaul.

While there is money available to spend when the window reopens, the current Magpies squad is not in need of major surgery. As a result, Howe and the rest of Newcastle’s recruitment team have identified some established players they might be able to prise out of their current club in January because of their current contractual situation.

Trossard’s current deal at the Amex Stadium is due to expire in the summer of 2024, meaning he will be entering the final 18 months of his contract at the start of next year.

Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi spoke last week about the need to tie the 27-year-old down to a longer-term deal, but if Trossard refuses to extend his deal, the Seagulls hierarchy will have to start considering whether they need to cash in while his value is at its peak.

Currently valued at around £30m, Trossard has made a major impression this season, with his hat-trick against Liverpool preceding further goals against Manchester City and Chelsea.

Chelsea, who are managed by former boss Graham Potter, have been linked with a possible January move for the Belgian, along with Arsenal, but Newcastle are also interested and are preparing to lodge an initial inquiry before the end of the year.

The wide-attacking positions are seen as areas that could be improved, with Jacob Murphy’s position potentially vulnerable despite his impressive performances while standing in for Allan Saint-Maximin so far this season.

Saint-Maximin’s injury record is also a source of mounting concern, with the Frenchman having been available for just six matches so far this term.

Newcastle continue to hold a strong interest in James Maddison, whose future at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium remains uncertain.

The Magpies made an unsuccessful attempt to set up a deal for Maddison in the summer, and are expected to revisit the situation in January.

Maddison’s contractual situation is the same as Trossard’s – he is also due to become a free agent in the summer of 2024 – and while there has been talk of both players being offered new deals at their current clubs, it is perhaps telling that they are yet to sign.

Newcastle return to action when they travel to Southampton on Sunday, and they will be without Joelinton at St Mary’s after the Brazilian picked up his fifth booking of the season in Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing of Aston Villa.