Following the Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle United in October there have been countless rumours linking the club with potential signings in the January transfer widow – some more realistic than others.

Newcastle currently sit 19th in the Premier League with the joint-worst defensive record this term, having shipped 34 goals – with the Magpies facing a extremely challenging trip to Liverpool on Thursday evening.

Recent abysmal defensive performances were highlighted perfectly once again by the 4-0 away defeat to Leicester on Sunday afternoon, with captain Jamal Lascelles putting in a particularly dreadful display.

The defensive woes continue today with reports that Federico Fernandez is expected to have an extended time on the sidelines due to injury.

The Magpies were in the game last weekend until Lascelles lost the ball before mindlessly jumping into a tackle and subsequently giving away a penalty.

A dive, yes but another example of brainless defending that has again cost the team a chance of getting a result. The away side went on to gift the Foxes two more goals due to defensive mistakes as Rodgers’ side demolished the visitors.

This was just another example in the long-list of defensive issues that Howe’s side have experienced this term and for that reason it’s vital the club improves at the back if they are to retain their Premier League status come the end of the campaign.

Here are the realistic January signings that Newcastle could make to help stabilise things defensively:

Dean Henderson – GK

A good defence starts with a strong goalkeeper who is reliable and does his job on a regular basis. Seems simple right?

This may come as a surprise inclusion in the list considering Newcastle have two decent ‘Keepers at the club who are fighting it out for the No.1 spot. However, the number of errors from both Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow means their position may be in danger. Their distribution leaves a lot to be desired as both goalies have a mistake in them.

Photo credit: Jrppezza

Man Utd’s Dean Henderson, tipped to eventually become England number one, may be available in the January transfer window as David De Gea continues to keep him out of the side.

Yes, he’s perhaps unproven but his time in the Red Devils’ side last season coincided with a decent run of form for Solksjaer’s men who finished second in 2020/2021.

Henderson is a decent shot-stopper, good with his feet and may provide the back-line with more confidence to play it out of defence – the style of football Howe is hoping to implement at the club.

Look at Arsenal, they brought in Aaron Ramsdale much to everyone surprise, yet the England international has been a revelation in North-London, providing some much needed stability in defence.

Newcastle may look to follow suit and if so, could potentially look to bring Henderson to St James’ Park but might have to pay a larger fee given the fact the Cumbrian has a contract at Man Utd until 2025.

The 24-year-old is an exciting prospect and may be trusted to become first-choice at Newcastle in the new era.

Kieran Trippier – RB

Trippier played under new boss Eddie Howe in his time at Burnley, with the English right-back eventually getting a move to Premier League big boys, Tottenham Hotspur.

Credit: Soccer.ru/ Антон Зайцев – Trippier ‘close’ to NUFC move…

From their Trippier moved to Atletico Madrid where he has made 65 appearances since 2019 and helped Simeone’s side to the 2020/2021 La Liga title. He has been a mainstay in the defensive line for Atleti but is thought to want a move back to England, with Newcastle firm favourites to get his signature.

The England international starred at the 2018 World Cup, scoring a memorable free-kick in the semi-final which sent supporters into delirium.

He would bring stability to the Newcastle’s back-line and his vast experience playing in a defensive system may help stop the Magpies conceding so many goals.

Trippier can dribble forward with the ball, provide great support to the attackers with his crossing ability and would be a massive upgrade.

The 31-year-old is used to playing a wing-back role and has previously played for teams fighting for survival – so can bring some much-needed knowhow to an otherwise poor defence. He is expected to be available for around €20million if the Magpies decide to bring him to St James’ Park.

Sven Botman – CB

Lille centre-back is thought to be top priority for Newcastle in the upcoming transfer window and has been widely linked with a move to Tyneside.

Credit: RONNY HARTMANN/AFP via Getty Images)

The 21-year-old Dutch defender is thought to be the first-choice centre-back to reinforce a the defensive line  that has the joint-worst record in the Premier League, shipping 34 goals in just 16 games.

Newcastle are expected to have to pay at least £30m for his services but Lille could ask for as much as £40m given the fact they are still in the Champions League and face a difficult tie with Chelsea in the new year.

Other teams including AC Milan are interested in Botman, which gives an indication of his talent as clubs with a high standing in European football also chase his signature.

Botman has been at Lille since 2020 as the French side are currently struggling in Ligue 1 and find themselves mid-table in the lead up to the festive period.

With the lack of quality in the centre-back area at Newcastle, he seems like a realistic option for Howe and would improve the Magpies defensively, while having the ability to play in a ball-playing role.

Boubacar Kamara – CB/CDM 

Despite being one for the future, Kamara would provide some much-needed depth in the centre-back position and is another player who’s contract is set to run out at the end of the season. French giants OM will be open to offers in January to avoid losing one of their star assets for nothing.

The 21-year-old has made over 100 appearances for current club Marseille in his short career so far and is tipped to be one for the future.

He can play in both centre-back and defensive midfield. Kamara is tipped to become better than the likes of Lascelles and Hayden who play those positions but might need time to develop.

Newcastle were linked with the French U21 international last year but with the Saudi-led investment now being pumped into the club, he seems like a more likely signing this time round with Howe expected to bring in reinforcements in defensive areas.

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He is though to be available for around €30 million.

James Tarkowski – CB

The Burnley defender is out of contract in the summer and could be available for a fee of around £3million. He has plenty of Premier League experience and has the ability to help sure up the leaky Newcastle defence.

Credit: Press-Association

Nicolas Tagliafico – LB

Ajax’s left-back Tagliafico was close to signing for Premier League rivals West Ham last year for a fee of around £10million and would certainly be an improvement of Jamal Lewis or Matt Ritchie in the full-back position.

The 29-year-old has made over 100 appearance for the Dutch giants and featured heavily in their Champions League campaign where they lost the semi-final in dramatic fashion following a Lucas Moura hat-trick for Spurs in 2019.

Credit: http://www.soccer.ru:galery:1055457:photo:733469 // Кирилл Венедиктов

He is thought to want a move away from Ajax and could be available in January, but Newcastle will face competition from other Premier League sides for his signature.

He is noted for his “lung-busting stamina, excellent technique and continuous enterprise” by his fellow teammates and has been a big part of the Argintinain international set-up, having been selected for the 2021 Copa America.

Nathan Ake – CB

The ex Bournemouth stalwart is used to Eddie Howe’s style of play and has only managed four Premier League appearances this season at Manchester City, including last night against Leeds United where the Dutch international scored after coming off the bench in the 7-0 demolition.

Credit: :www.soccer.ru:galery:1055457:photo:733469 // Кирилл Венедиктов

Ake is low in the pecking order at City, with Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte and John Stones ahead of him. Howe may be looking towards familiar faces in his bid to take Newcastle to safety and kickstart the new era.

There is some doubt over the 26-year-olds ability as a defender despite his ball-playing style which does however suit new manager Howe’s style of play.

In terms of defensive stability, his signing may be questionable but nethertheless, the Dutch international has plenty of Premier League experience at his previous club and would be an improvement on the current options available to Howe.

Abdou Diallo – CB/LB

Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly offered Newcastle the chance to sign Senegalese centre-back Abdou Diallo in the January transfer window to help bolster their chances of Premier League survival.

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Diallo would be a decent addition for the Magpies and can play both in the centre-back and at left back. The 25-year-old has played at big European clubs such as Monaco and Borussia Dortmund so would certainly provide a strong option in multiple positions and would help prevent there being more defensive woes for Howe’s side.

Mauricio Pochettino has a lot of defenders at his disposal and Diallo has been unable to make the CB or LB spot his so far this season.

Ibrahima Diallo, who currently plays for Southampton, is Abdou’s younger brother and could potentially help to persuade his sibling to join NUFC and play in the Premier League.

Diallo is an interesting target for Newcastle, he’s a big name, but no with a lack of Premier League experience, signing him could be deemed a risky deal move.

Nat Phillips – CB

Perhaps quite an underwhelming option, Nat Phillips is reportedly available for a fee of around £10million and played an important centre-back role at Liverpool when stars Joe Gomez and Virgil Van Dijk were unavailable due to injury.

According to the Evening standard, The Merseyside club have put the £10m price-tag on the 24-year-old who has also been linked with a move to West Ham. Despite being injured in the away victory over AC Milan last week, the towering centre-back represents value for money, could be one for the future and is probably better than the options Howe currently has in that position.

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His long stint in the team last year helped Liverpool to a respectable third-place finish as the English-born defender got some valuable Premier League minutes under his belt.

Mathias Ginter – CB

Newcastle are reportedly interested in German international centre-back Mathias Ginter from Borussia Monchengladbach. The 27-year-old has had a challenging start to the season at Gladbach as his side currently sit 13th in the Bundesliga table.

Credit: Author, Granada

Fresh from shipping ten goals in the last two games, Ginter is expected to want a move away from the German side and is coming up to the last six months of his current contract.

The demanding defender has featured on 46 occasions for his national team and would certainly improve the situation at the back for Howe. With other Premier League teams interested, Newcastle might have to offer big if the opportunity comes.

Ahead of the 2021/22 season, German legend Lothar Matthaus sung his praises:

“Ginter has become a leader at the back. He doesn’t just give instructions to his teammates, but leads them as well. That’s what Ginter is doing really well at the moment.”

Connor Coady – CB

The no-nonsense, brave and canny operator helped Wolves to consecutive top eight finishes in their first two seasons back in the Premier League and has played in all four divisions of English football. Freshly capped for the National side, Coady leads from the back and could become the rock in the centre of Newcastle’s defence – with Nuno leaving Wanderers at the start of the season a fresh start may be exactly what the 28-year-old is after.

Credit: Source Flickr- U-19 England vs Greece. Author Catherine Kõrtsmik

Coady is a proper leader and carries himself well both on and off the pitch. He is exactly the type of character who Howe could rely on to give his best for the club and help steer the Magpies to safety.

However, given the current predicament at the club, Coady might have to be offered a large contract if he is to be encouraged to want a move away from Wolves, who are currently in the top half and finding some form heading into the festive period.

Thoughts? Who would be top of your transfer priorities? Can Howe bring in reinforcements to help steer Newcastle to safety? Which defensive areas would you be looking to improve on?

Join in the conversation and have your say…