Here are your Newcastle United headlines on Sunday, December 31.

Kalvin Phillips to Newcastle United: Transfer fee truth, fitness question and Guardiola issue The January transfer window is upon us and naturally attention has turned to who Newcastle United will attempt to recruit in the winter market. The Magpies spent north of PS110m in the summer but Sandro Tonali's suspension and Nick Pope's lengthy absence has fans clamouring for fresh arrivals.

Kalvin Phillips' name has been making the headlines, with Eddie Howe already asked about a potential deal for the Manchester City star on multiple occasions in December. Each time the Newcastle boss has swiftly shut down speculation, refusing to comment on individual players and point blank rejecting talk of a deal being imminent.

The jury remains out on Phillips given his struggles at the Etihad since switching Leeds United for Manchester City but there are plenty of Newcastle fans eager to see the 28-year-old arrive on Tyneside. Let's take a look at the lingering questions over a possible deal.

Fabian Schar received green light from Newcastle United for interesting career change Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar has a new venture away from Tyneside after being confirmed on the board of directors at his boyhood club. Schar is now part of the hierarchy at Swiss Challenge League side FC Wil 1900, where the Magpies favourite spent 13 years during his childhood.

Schar grew up in the city, plying his trade for the club until 2012 when he earned a move to Swiss giants Basel. The 32-year-old received the green light from Newcastle to accept the role, which he will conduct alongside his playing career in the Premier League.

"He will work on the board of directors in the sporting area, where there's also a sports commission with a president, sports director, CEO, head coach and assistant coach - Fabian will now join us there," Maurice Weber, FC Wil's president, told Blick this week.

"He is a unifying figure, grew up a stone's throw from here, brings a lot to the table in terms of sports and networking. He clarified everything with Newcastle first."

"Down to him" - Eddie Howe clarifies Lewis Hall situation and says Newcastle future in his own hands Eddie Howe has thrown the gauntlet down to Lewis Hall to make 2024 his year with Newcastle United.

The England Under-20 star has been afforded just one start in the Premier League with his future on Tyneside questioned by some observers in recent weeks. Howe has suggested that Hall must work on the defensive part of his game in order to convince him to be handed more starts.

When asked if 2024 can be a big year for Hall, with a permanent transfer to the Magpies up for grabs, Howe told Chronicle Live: "That will be down to Lewis. Potentially it will (be a big year for Hall). He's got all the tools. As I have said with Lewis we need patience and calm. But he is developing nicely."