Manchester United appointed Eddie Howe as their manager last week and the 43-year-old will be expected to turn things around at St James’ Park over the next few weeks.
The Magpies are currently in the relegation zone and they will need to improve massively in order to stay in the Premier League next season.
Howe did an impressive job with Bournemouth in the Premier League but he will need the backing of the owners in the transfer market in order to transform the side. Newcastle are in desperate need of reinforcements right now.
The squad is lacking in depth and quality especially in the defence and midfield. Howe must look to bring in a top-class centre back when the transfer window re-opens and a goalscoring midfielder should be a top priority as well.
Here at Sportslens, we look at three players the Magpies must look to sign during the January transfer window.
Jesse Lingard
The Manchester United attacking midfielder opted to stay at Old Trafford when he had the chance to join West Ham United during the summer transfer window. The England international wanted to fight for his place in the starting line-up but things have not gone according to plan for him so far.
Lingard is yet to start a single Premier League or Champions League game for Manchester United. The 28-year-old needs to play regular first-team football at this stage of his career and a move away from Old Trafford in January would be ideal.
The player was outstanding during his loan spell at West Ham last season and a move to Newcastle could help him recapture his sharpness and confidence once again. The Magpies could use his creativity and goalscoring ability as well.
James Tarkowski
The Burnley defender will be a free agent at the end of this season and he could be available for a knockdown price in January.
He has been a leader at the back from Sean Dyche’s side over the years and he could prove to be a superb acquisition for the Magpies. Tarkowski could form a quality defensive partnership with the likes of Jamaal Lascelles and improve Newcastle at the back.
The 28-year-old has proven his qualities in the Premier League and he should be able to make an immediate impact if he moves to Newcastle.
Franck Kessie
The Ivorian has been outstanding for AC Milan this season but he is nearing the end of his deal at the Italian club. Milan are unlikely to want to sell him but losing him on a free in the summer would be a devastating blow for them.
If Kessie refuses to renew his deal with Milan, Newcastle must do everything in their power to lure him to the Premier League. They have the financial muscle to tempt Milan and they just need to convince the player of their ambitions.
Kessie would add defensive cover and physicality to the Newcastle midfield. The Magpies are crying out for a midfield powerhouse like him and Kessie would be a remarkable coup for them.
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