Newcastle United January transfer window: Key areas to strengthen - & the names in the frame

It doesn’t take a genius, attention-seeking pundit or a world-renowned director of football to figure out where the focus of Newcastle United’s transfer business should lie over the coming weeks.

Sunday’s 4-0 home defeat against Manchester City took the number of goals conceded in Premier League games to 41 - five more than Leeds United and seven more than basement club Norwich City.

The recent 1-0 win was followed by frenzied celebrations as Eddie Howe’s men notched up their first maximum of the season - but somewhat depressingly, that day also provided the United squad with their first and only Premier League clean sheet so far.

It seems near certain the United hierarchy will look to refresh their defensive options to give Howe a more solid platform to build his survival bid upon.

Defenders are key to United survival

Well-placed sources have suggested discussions over a possible move for England defender Kieran Trippier are moving along nicely and bringing in the Atletico Madrid full-back would be a solid start to what has to be a successful January transfer window.

Of course, at the age of 31, Trippier’s experience and know how would benefit United’s flagging back-line - but his set-piece quality would not go amiss either.

The heart of the defence needs work with Howe yet to find a blend that will stop the Magpies haemorrhaging goals at an alarming rate.

There is a genuine interest in Lille’s Dutch defender Sven Botman and at the age of 21, the centre-back would give the United boss a long-term option to build his side on, as well as giving a a short-term boost to his ranks.

A possible loan deal for Manchester City’s Nathan Ake or a permanent move for Burnley’s James Tarkowski - both players with experience of working under Howe - could also be options.

I would also like to see the Magpies explore a possible move for a left-sided defender with injury concerns over Jamal Lewis and Paul Dummett forcing Matt Ritchie into action in a position where he has struggled.

Recent speculation over the future of Everton’s Spanish International Lucas Digne pricked my attention and the former Barcelona defender has been linked with a move to Tyneside in recent days.

Midfield difficulties - a name in the frame?

Given the difficulties United have faced in defence, I am surprised over the lack of links to a quality holding midfielder.

Isaac Hayden is probably seen as the only option in that position but he has struggled to find consistency throughout the season.

One name that won’t go away is Marseille’s Boubacar Kamara and it is believed the 22-year-old midfielder has caught the attention of Manchester United in recent weeks.

His versatility would also be of use with the highly-rated France Under-21 international also able to play in a defensive role if required.

Wilson support needed up top

The top end of the pitch would also be a concern for me with Callum Wilson seen as Howe’s only realistic option as an out-and-out striker.

Dwight Gayle has been limited to three substitute appearances in the league and seems likely to depart this month and Joelinton has found a home in a deeper position that saw him impress during his time with Hoffenheim.

Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic has been linked with a move to the Premier League - but it seems unlikely United could attract the Serbian international given the level of interest from Champions League clubs.

Prising an experienced frontman like Eden Dzeko away from Inter Milan seems like fantasy talk - so it seems little surprise that well-founded speculation over a move for Lyon’s former Celtic striker Moussa Dembele has come to the fore in recent days.

An intriguing month and no doubt hectic month lies ahead - but the simple fact remains that United have to end January with a stronger squad and a realistic chance of preserving their Premier League status.