How Newcastle could line up by end of January as Kieran Trippier starts transfer spree
England defender Trippier is expected to be the first of a host of new signings for Eddie Howe’s side as they aim to do whatever it takes to keep themselves in the Premier League
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Newcastle United supporters always knew January would be a big month for the club, with an autumn takeover and a relegation battle combining to make spending both possible and essential.
Kieran Trippier is the first player to join the squad, with the England full-back due to arrive from Atletico Madrid in a deal exclusively broken by the Mirror back in November.
However, the former Spurs man – who will join in a deal worth up to £25m – won’t be the last player to move to St James’ Park this month.
As more players continue to be linked with Eddie Howe’s team, Mirror Football has taken a look at how the Magpies could line up as they battle to avoid the drop.
Join the debate! What should be Newcastle’s main priority in January? Have your say in the comments here.
Trippier is set to be the first of many to arrive at Newcastle this window
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Goalkeeper and defence
Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is one of a handful of players who can feel quietly confident of still being a starter at the end of the window, but the men in front of him will look very different as we tick into February.
There’s a chance Newcastle strengthen on both flanks, with Lucas Digne touted to join Trippier among the new arrivals after falling out of favour at Everton, though Chelsea have also reportedly looked at the Frenchman as they seek cover for the injured Ben Chilwell.
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Trippier and Digne would both be comfortable in back four or back five set-ups, allowing Jamaal Lascelles to remain a starter with one or two names joining him.
Negotiations are likely to continue for Lille’s Dutch defender Sven Botman, while Tosin Adarabioyo – a man with Premier League experience after impressing under Scott Parker at Fulham last term – could also join.
Midfield
One of Newcastle’s main goals is a defensive midfielder to add steel to a team which has conceded 42 goals in 19 games – a record only equalled by Norwich City.
Boubacar Kamara is among the names touted, with the Marseille midfielder out of contract in the summer and also linked with the likes of Manchester United.
Boubacar Kamara has been linked with a number of Premier League sides
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Midfield is an area which all Newcastle fans know needs strengthening, with Joelinton’s impressive form in the position against Manchester United a welcome bonus but perhaps not a long-term solution.
Even if Howe continues with a back five, two new midfielders are likely to be needed, and United’s out-of-favour Dutchman Donny van de Beek could be the second to arrive alongside Kamara, leaving the existing personnel as back-ups.
Transfer news LIVE! Newcastle close on Trippier plus the latest headlines and rumours
Attack
Wilson and Saint-Maximin are likely to receive support
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There haven’t been many bright spots for Newcastle this season, but the form of Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin has ensured they’re not even further adrift.
You’d expect Howe to keep faith in the pair, but further reinforcements will also be required, in part due to the injury record of two of the key men in the squad – there have been times where losing one or both for an extended period all but guaranteed defeat.
Finding an attacking player willing to join a relegation battle won’t be easy, but Flamengo’s free-scoring Gabriel Barbosa could be that man.
The 25-year-old has unfinished business in Europe after a stint with Inter Milan, and could be used as a lone striker or part of a more ambitious setup depending on the opposition.
How Newcastle could line up after a spending spree
Of course, adding a host of new names to a squad and expecting all of them to immediately adjust to a new system is an ambitious strategy.
There will surely be moments where Howe continues to use some of the inherited players who have kept his side within touching distance of safety, and fans shouldn’t expect a brand new XI from the get-go.
Still, with Newcastle showing their intention to act quickly and bed in new players in the gap before returning to Premier League action, many will hope a refreshed squad has enough to survive this term and really kick on after another big window in the summer.