Newcastle United’s injury crisis at the back has gone from bad to worse over the past week.
Dan Burn’s derby injury was followed by Tino Livramento hobbling off on Wednesday with another knee issue, leaving both sidelined until the new year.
Mix that with Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth’s absence, along with Sven Botman’s slow return from a back issue, and we’re suddenly left threadbare across our entire back line, with Malick Thiaw, Fabian Schar and Lewis Hall the only three fit.
A versatile defender who can plug a number of these gaps would be an ideal January buy, and it sounds like we already have one in mind.
As revealed by The Mail’s Craig Hope, Newcastle are looking to bring in Toulouse defender Dayann Methalie, who is able to play at full-back or centre-back.
After reporting on our interest in four overseas midfielders in his latest Confidential column, Hope states that Methalie is a player ‘high on Newcastle’s wish list’ heading into the January window.
The 19-year-old has burst onto the scene in Ligue 1 this season, breaking into the France Under-21 squad after impressing at Toulouse; the same club Newcastle raided to sign Moussa Sissoko way back in January 2013.
Ross Wilson recently hinted at targeting more young gems from overseas, and Methalie certainly fits that criteria as a tall (6ft 2″), athletic and highly-rated defender who has clearly impressed Newcastle scouts this season.
A major spend is not anticipated next month, warns Hope, but Newcastle are keen to lower the average age of the squad, strengthen weak areas and start ‘succession planning.’
Methalie would be a step towards doing all three things, as he would not only provide cover and competition for Lewis Hall, but offer us another option should left-sided centre-backs Burn and Botman be injured.
Striking the right deal in January is never easy, but he appears to be a big one to watch as we look to recruit top young talent from abroad this winter.
💙 Follow Us on Facebook
We share updates, news, and helpful posts every day.
Click below to like & follow our page to stay connected!
Highest Paying Jobs in the UK 2026 (No Degree Required) – Full Hiring Guide
The UK job market in 2026 is creating strong opportunities for workers without university degrees. Due to labor shortages, rising wages, and demand across key industries, many roles now offer competitive salaries, stable contracts, and visa sponsorship options for qualified workers.
This guide focuses on real, in-demand UK jobs that pay well, require little or no formal education, and are suitable for both UK residents and international applicants.
1. HGV (Truck) Driver Jobs in the UK
Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers remain among the highest-paid non-degree workers in the UK. Supermarkets, logistics firms, construction companies, and fuel suppliers continue to face driver shortages, pushing wages higher each year.
Salary Range
- £38,000 – £65,000 per year
- Overtime and night shifts can exceed £70,000
Requirements
- UK HGV Class 1 or Class 2 licence
- Driver CPC qualification
- No university degree required
Why This Job Pays Well
Long hours, responsibility, and supply chain importance make HGV driving one of the best-paid manual professions in the UK. Employers often cover training costs.
2. Construction Site Supervisor (Experience-Based)
Construction supervisors oversee daily site operations, safety compliance, and workforce coordination. Many professionals rise into this role through experience rather than formal education.
Salary Range
- £40,000 – £60,000 per year
Requirements
- Construction site experience
- CSCS or SSSTS certification
- No degree required
Construction jobs attract high advertising bids due to insurance, equipment, training, and recruitment demand.
3. Security Control Room Operator
Unlike basic security guard roles, control room operators monitor CCTV systems, coordinate emergency responses, and manage access control for large facilities, airports, and business centers.
Salary Range
- £35,000 – £50,000 per year
Requirements
- SIA licence
- Basic IT and communication skills
- No academic degree required
4. Warehouse Operations Manager (Promotion-Based)
Many warehouse managers start as pickers or supervisors and move up through performance. E-commerce growth has pushed logistics salaries significantly higher.
Salary Range
- £42,000 – £58,000 per year
Industries Hiring
- Amazon fulfilment centres
- Supermarket distribution hubs
- Import and export warehouses
5. Care Home Manager (NVQ Route)
Care home managers oversee elderly and assisted living facilities. This role follows vocational certification routes rather than university education.
Salary Range
- £45,000 – £65,000 per year
Why It Pays Well
An aging population and staff shortages have pushed salaries higher, especially in private care homes.
6. Roofing & Specialist Trades
Roofers, scaffolders, and specialist trade workers earn premium wages due to physical demand and skill shortages.
Salary Range
- £180 – £300 per day
- Annual income up to £70,000
7. Taxi & Private Hire Drivers (High-Demand Cities)
London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds offer strong earning potential for licensed private hire drivers.
Salary Range
- £35,000 – £55,000 per year
Visa Sponsorship for UK Jobs
Some UK employers offer sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. While not all jobs qualify, roles in logistics, healthcare support, construction, and technical operations may be eligible depending on employer approval.
How to Apply for High-Paying UK Jobs
- Apply directly on company career websites
- Register with UK recruitment agencies
- Obtain necessary licences before applying
- Prepare a UK-style CV
In 2026, high-paying jobs in the UK are no longer limited to university graduates. With the right skills, certifications, and experience, workers can secure stable, well-paid roles across logistics, construction, healthcare support, and security sectors.
For job seekers aiming to work in the UK or improve their income, focusing on short-term training and high-demand industries remains the smartest path.
