Newcastle United are now only hours from what could be a pivotal January transfer window opening.

While it remains unclear as to how much money Newcastle can spend amid FFP constraints, it feels like a big month for the club.

Though its hard to imagine them doing crazy amounts of business, the right signings could help lift morale and push Eddie Howe's side closer to the Champions League spots.

Fail to strengthen or sign the wrong players and who knows where the season could go?

Ahead of what could be a huge month in defining what happens to Newcastle this season and beyond, reports about Howe's wish list have emerged.

Newcastle transfer news: The three signings Eddie Howe wants to make in January Indeed, according to the Daily Mirror, the club are on the lookout for three signings.

They claim Howe will be backed in January and that the Newcastle manager is keen to strengthen. A goalkeeper, a new midfielder and a striker are all said to be on the agenda.

Newcastle transfers: That would be a successful month Its important to temper any talk of January signings with a reminder that FFP constraints loom large, even despite PIF's millions.

Still, should Newcastle manage to pull of that trio of additions, it would be a huge boost. When it comes to the goalkeeper, Martin Dubravka has hardly covered himself in glory since Nick Pope's injury, while Loris Karius has hardly featured.

In midfield, Newcastle's lack of a No.6 was noted by pundit Tim Sherwood during the Boxing Day defeat to Nottingham Forest. With Sandro Tonali banned from football too, options are light, explaining links with a move for Kalvin Phillips.

Up front, meanwhile, a new forward to back-up the reasonably injury-prone Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak would certainly make sense.

Doing all of that business will not be easy but, should they pull it off, Newcastle would be in a much stronger position.