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Hello and welcome to the Newcastle United live blog for Wednesday, January 10.

A new week but the same old issues at St James' Park as Rafa Benitez looks to do loan deals on a budget. Yesterday saw the Magpies linked with a whole host of new names, while Benitez is hoping to do a Kenedy deal quickly.

We will have the latest on his loan enquiries. Mike Ashley is back this week so we'll see how that affects things.

Meanwhile, on the pitch, Newcastle have a crucial game to prepare for on Saturday, as they welcome fellow strugglers Swansea to St James' Park.

We'll have the latest on the takeover and also all of the January transfer rumours that are starting to stack up.

As ever we want to hear from you, so please send us your thoughts over Facebook at www.facebook.com/chroniclenufc/ or on Twitter at @ChronicleNUFC.

Key Events

Gossip: Newcastle United goalkeeper search08:12
Morning - Newcastle linked with a host of names18:45

08:25Andrew Musgrove

Jack Wilshere to get new contract

The Daily Mirror reports that Arsenal are ready to offer Jack Wilshere a new contract.

Arsenal are finally ready to make a formal contract offer to Jack Wilshere. Midfielder Wilshere is expected to hold talks with the Gunners in the next week — and has been warned he may have to accept a cut in his basic wage if he wants to stay with his boyhood club. The 26-year-old England international is on course to be a free agent at the end of the season, when his current deal — worth around £120,000-a-week, including bonuses — expires.
Arsenal want to introduce a host of incentive bonuses linked to success and playing time, which might mean a reduction in his current £90,000-a-week base salary but could see him end up earning more if he is playing regularly.

08:12KEY EVENT

Gossip: Newcastle United goalkeeper search

Rafa Benitez is reportedly still in the market for a goalkeeper and The Daily Mail report that the Spaniard has a man in mind.

Newcastle United have switched their attentions to Sparta Prague goalkeeper Martin Dubravka after Kevin Trapp opted to stay at Paris St Germain.
Rafa Benitez is keen to bring in a goalkeeper on loan and Slovakia international Dubravka is the latest to be considered. The 28-year-old has impressed for his country in their World Cup qualifying campaign and Benitez is hopeful of reaching an agreement before the weekend.

08:03Andrew Musgrove

Adam Armstrong wanted by Charlton

The young United striker was a man in demand before sealing his move to Blackburn Rovers. Charlton boss Karl Robinson admits he tried to sign him; speaking to the News Shopper he said

It’s hard because we’re trying to bring in players. Adam Armstrong’s gone to Blackburn. [Kieffer] Moore has gone to Barnsley. There are a number of strikers who are getting knocked off the list. We need a striker and we need to score more. He [Josh Magennis] needs a break, we can’t rely on one striker.

07:42Andrew Musgrove

Swansea update: Leroy Fer

The influential midfielder Leroy Fer was set to miss this weekend’s clash between Newcastle and Swansea after being sent off in the FA Cup game with Wolves. However, Swansea have successfully had his suspension overturned. A spokesman said

Leroy Fer will be available for Swansea’s next three games after an independent regulatory commission accepted that he was wrongly dismissed for violent conduct against Wolves on Saturday January 6.

07:30Andrew Musgrove

Future: Freddie Woodman

The young goalkeeper made his senior debut against Luton in the FA Cup last weekend but is keen for more regular first team action. Chris Waugh reports on just what is next for the 20-year-old.

Rafa Benitez is still waiting to learn of his exact budget and, coupled with the fact first-choice goalkeeper Rob Elliot is currently injured, it is preventing some of the young goalkeepers in the Newcastle Under-23 set-up from heading out on loan as things stand. England Under-20 World Cup winner Freddie Woodman, who made his first-team debut during the 3-1 FA Cup victory over, has been keen to head out on loan all season in order to gain greater first-team experience. Yet Benitez confirmed at the weekend that the 20-year-old - who has been linked with League One Oxford United - will only be allowed to leave temporarily if United are able to recruit another goalkeeper. Woodman is expected to be on the bench for the Premier League clash with Swansea City on Saturday, providing cover for Karl Darlow given Elliot’s thigh injury.