NEWCASTLE are planning for life without Miguel Almiron as they have identified the winger's potential replacement, according to reports.
The Paraguayan, 29, has started 18 of The Magpies' 21 Premier League games this season and remains a key player in Eddie Howe's side.
But according to The Telegraph, a switch to the Saudi Pro League is on the cards and could happen before the end of the January window.
If Newcastle hold onto him this month, it is understood clubs in the Middle East will renew their interest in the ex-Atalanta man in the summer.
And the Toon are preparing for Almiron's exit by monitoring Nottingham Forest forward Morgan Gibbs-White.
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The 23-year-old has been Forest's star man this season, scoring three goals and providing three assists in 20 league matches.
He is currently sidelined with an abdominal injury, but Newcastle have already "scouted him extensively" earlier in the campaign.
Yet despite Howe's men keeping tabs on his situation, Forest are likely to resist any bid for Gibbs-White.
Instead, the January sale of Almiron could see Newcastle invest in a new midfielder in the shape of Everton's Amadou Onana.
That is because Newcastle are braced for a mass exodus at the end of the season, with Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton two possible departures.
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Guimaraes, 26, is attracting interest from Paris Saint-Germain and also holds a desire to play in Spain in the future.
And Joelinton's refusal to sign a new contract without becoming the best-paid player at the club means he is set to enter the final 12 months of his deal.
Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson have also been the subject of offers from Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid respectively.
And Newcastle's are already dealing with a host of injury problems.
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Wilson, Jacob Murphy, Matt Targett, Elliot Anderson, Harvey Barnes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali are all sidelined for a variety of reasons.
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