Newcastle United are tipped to sign a number of players in January transfer window, especially in the defensive department…

The need for Newcastle to bring in defensive reinforcements in January was highlighted once again as Eddie Howe’s side conceded 3 goals at home to Brentford last time out.

Skipper Jamaal Lascelles gave the home side a blistering start in Howe’s first game before former Newcastle striker Ivan Toney equalised a minute later. His shot burst through the hands of goalkeeper Karl Darlow. Rico Henry then fired the Bees in front.

Joelinton’s thunderous shot into the bottom corner levelled the game at half time after the ball fell to his feet following a typically mazy run from Allan Saint-Maximin.

A deflected own goal off the knee of Lascelles put the visitors ahead once again before ASM finished off an exciting counter-attack to make it 3-3 with 15 minutes remaining. The Magpies were unable to get all three points despite Joelinton missing a guilt-edged opportunity in the final stages. 

Howe’s side remain five points adrift at the bottom of the Premier League table and are in desperate need of picking up points against Norwich City and Burnley at SJP, ahead of a challenging Christmas period. 

Fans may be hopeful after the attacking threat shown on Saturday, but will be extremely worried by the woeful defensive display as the Magpies still search for their first win of the campaign. 

Newcastle are expected to spend big in the upcoming January transfer window following the Saudi-led takeover of the club last month and have already been linked with a myriad of players. 

Most names have been merely speculation, while some are more realistic. One thing is for sure, United need to improve their defence in the mid-season window. 

Jessie Lingard, Donny Van de Beek and Ross Barkley are amongst the attackers who could be tempted by a move to SJP, but there are a number of defensive options who are favourites to join the club.

Manchester City defender Nathan Ake, who played under Howe at Bournemouth, and James Tarkowski are two players strongly tipped for move to the North-East. Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson has also been linked with the Magpies who are in a position to sign the trio.

Enthusiastic Wolves centre-back Conor Coady is amongst the outsiders to join the club in January. 

Here is a list of the transfer specials currently offered by PaddyPower and SkyBet for players to make the move to St. James’ Park:

James Tarkowski – 5/4

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: James Tarkowski Instagram – the defender is out of contract in the summer

Many Magpie fans have made their voices heard and Tarkowski is high up on their list to make up for the defensive incompetence shown this season.

The towering centre-back is said to want a new challenge and with less than a year left on his contract is likely to leave Turf Moor in January. Expect Newcastle to put an offer on Dyche’s table and challenge the hand of the Burnley boss.

Dean Henderson – 5/2

The Manchester United man is considered one of the leading prospects in the English game and has starred for the Red Devils on a number of occasions. He has already shown his Premier League ability and helped United to a second place finish last campaign.

Credit: Dean Henderson Instagram – England’s next no.1?

This year he seems to be back in the shadows of Spanish stopper David de Gea and is rumoured to want a move away from the Manchester club for a new challenge and to become first choice once again. 

Newcastle already have a couple of talented Keepers at the club but could be tempted to bring the potential next England no.1 to Tyneside. 

Aaron Ramsey – 11/4

The ex Arsenal midfielder moved to the Serie A on a free transfer in 2019 after spending ten years at the North London club. 

After lengthy spells on the sidelines he is yet to form a friendly relationship with Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri he is thought to want a move away from Turin and back to the Premier League.

Credit: Aaron Ramsey Instagram – the midfielder has been in great form for his country

Despite putting in a number of quality performances for his country scoring three goals in his last three appearances for Wales, his club form has been lacking. His experience of the English game and versatility in the midfield could help change the fortunes of Newcastle this season. 

His £400,000k a-week salary could be make or break for some clubs and puts Newcastle at the top of the list to sign him following the Saudi-led takeover of the club.

Nathan Ake – 3/1

The ex Bournemouth stalwart is used to Eddie Howe’s style of play and has only managed three Premier League appearances this season at Manchester City. He 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. With a budget of around £200million available to the Magpies in January, they may test Guardiola’s hand in the transfer window. 

Despite the negative feelings towards Newcastle among the Premier League elite, City are one club believed to be without a strong opinion meaning a deal may be possible. The Dutch defender is known as a ball-playing centre back and alongside Tarkowski could form a new partnership at the back for the Magpies. 

Credit: Nathan Ake Instagram – the centre-back has made only three appearances this season for City

Ross Barkley – 7/2

With a severe lack of players who can drive forward with the ball, Newcastle may be looking to tempt Chelsea man Ross Barkley away from Stamford Bridge.

The English midfielder played on-loan at Aston Villa last season and showed glimpses of his talent before having a large period on the sidelines due to injury. He likes to carry the ball through midfield and has a creative element to his game too. 

His lack of game-time at title favourites Chelsea means he may be looking elsewhere in January and could help bolster Newcastle’s chances of finding some form in the second half of the season.

Credit: Ross Barkley Instagram – could the Chelsea man be tempted by a move to SJP?

The 27 year-old Englishman often looks to drop between the lines and likes to unlock defences with key passes – could he help the Mags going forward?

The list goes on…

Here are some other names that have been linked with Newcastle in the January transfer window:

*odds as shown at time of writing and may vary*

Adama Traore 7/2

Dele Alli 4/1

Wilfried Zaha 5/1

Dominic Calvert-Lewin 5/1

Jesse Lingard – 6/1

Ousmane Dembele 6/1

Donny Van de Beek 7/1

Conor Coady 15/2

Raheem Sterling 8/1

Gini Wijnaldum 10/1

Who would you like to see brought to SJP in January? Can Newcastle avoid the drop? How much will Howe look to spend in the mid-season window?

Join in the conversation and have your say.

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