NOBODY expected Newcastle United to challenge for the Premier League title this season. Nonetheless, Eddie Howe’s team are currently sitting third in the table after 17 fixtures, just two points behind Manchester City and nine points behind title frontrunners Arsenal. The Magpies have to be considered contenders.

Newcastle have spent smartly in the transfer market since the Saudi-led takeover of the club in 2021, but they must continue to do so to stay competitive with their rivals near the top of the Premier League table. Here are four players they must look to target in the January transfer window to progress further.

An upgrade on Dan Burn

Dan Burn has become a consistent performer for Newcastle this season, but the 30-year-old is limited as a left back. The former Brighton defender offers little in the way of attacking threat down the wing and so the Magpies could do with an upgrade in his position to gain another outlet on the left.

Ferland Mendy has been linked with a move to St James’ Park. Real Valladolid right back Ivan Fresneda is also reportedly on Newcastle’s radar – his signing would permit Kieran Trippier to shift over to the left side of Howe’s defence. The Magpies could potentially unlock another part of their attacking game with a shrewd left back addition.

A versatile winger

Miguel Almiron, Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes have given Newcastle United a great deal of creativity and goal threat in the attacking midfield area in the Premier League this season, but Howe could still use another versatile winger to round out his squad with Allan Saint-Maximin still struggling for form and fitness. Another injury could push Newcastle’s squad beyond its limits.

Christian Pulisic has been linked with Newcastle on loan due to the American’s lack of regular game time at Chelsea while Joao Felix is another option for the Magpies on loan as the Portuguese international looks to depart Atletico Madrid following the 2022 World Cup. Howe could add some genuine quality to his squad in this position.

Another goal-scoring striker

Alexander Isak arrived at St James’ Park as Newcastle United’s record signing in the summer transfer window, but the Swedish international has only managed three Premier League appearances since then due to injury. Callum Wilson is also particularly injury prone, leaving Newcastle short of depth in the number nine position.

Goncalo Ramos caught the eye for Portugal at the 2022 World Cup, scoring a hat trick in the last 16 demolition of Switzerland, and the Benfica striker would certainly give Newcastle a sharper cutting edge for the final stretch of the 2022/23 season. Tammy Abraham would also be a good fit for Howe’s style of play were he to return to the Premier League from Roma while Marcus Thurman has been mentioned as a potential target.

Central midfield depth

Guimaraes, Joelinton and Joe Willock have all excelled for Newcastle United in the Premier League this season, but Howe still requires greater depth to maintain pace with the rivals around his team in the table. This is where the Magpies are surely considering moving for at least one more central midfielder.

Youri Tielemens could be on the market this month with Arsenal also believed to be interested in the Leicester City midfielder. Moises Caicedo would be a statement signing for Newcastle United such is the level of interest in the Ecuadorian international, but the 21-year-old has all the attributes to be an important figure for Howe’s side. His addition would certainly help keep Newcastle near the top of the Premier League table.