Newcastle United are waiting to hear back from Antonio Conte on their loan bid for Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
But the Chronicle understands that the Magpies are currently considering a clutch of other options with the transfer window due to open for business in three days.
And Newcastle’s transfer business is well under way despite the busy schedule of games for the Sky Bet Championship promotion contenders.
It is believed that a couple of outgoing loan deals for United youngsters are close to completion, but United fans are keen to see if Rafa Benitez will bolster his first team in January.
Although, Benitez has already made that quite clear after revealing this week that he was looking at Premier League players as potential loan options.
Newcastle were linked again with AFC Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson today with the Cherries striker a long-term target of the Magpies.
The Chronicle reported back in November that Wilson was on the club’s wish-list and could potentially team up again with his old Bournemouth team-mate Matt Ritchie.
The Loftus-Cheek deal depends on whether Chelsea can find a club in the Premier League who will offer him regular first team action.
Newcastle’s offer of a loan is under consideration by Conte but the Italian is in no rush to make a decision.
Conte said earlier this month: “There will be a moment when I speak with my club and take the best decision, but I count on him because I think he has good potential.”