​Newcastle United are still thinking like a top flight side it seems, after the Mirror reported that the Magpies are targeting a number of high profile signings this month as they attempt to get back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.





Rafa Benitez has set his sights on Everton midfield pair James McCarthy and Tom Cleverley, as potential signings to join the ranks at St James' Park and help maintain the club's promotion push.

Newcastle chasing Everton pair James McCarthy and Tom Cleverley #EFC https://t.co/JCpTGkvDU5 pic.twitter.com/usQDt1GuuE — Everton Report (@Everton_Fanly) January 8, 2017

Four defeats in eight games for the Toon army has slowed their progression somewhat and Benitez has used the recent run of results to urge club owner Mike Ashley to pull out his cheque book.





Both McCarthy and Cleverley have struggled to hold down regular first team football under Ronald Koeman this season, but it is unlikely that the Toffees will allow both players to leave the club this window.

Nonetheless, a move for either one at the right price, could be a possibility, with the Spanish boss able to offer regular first team football and a likely return to the top flight, if they stay where they are in the Championship table.





The report also suggests that Manchester City's Fabian Delph, Brentford's Alan Judge and Bournemouth's Callum WIlson are also on Benitez's shopping list.

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