Newcastle United need some reinforcements.

Indeed, the January transfer window is fast-approaching, just at a time when Eddie Howe's squad is decimated by injuries and Sandro Tonali's suspension.

It has certainly been a rough week for Newcastle, who were limited in what they could do during the summer transfer window due to FFP constraints.

Still, that doesn't stop the proverbial transfer rumour mill from churning.

The club are constantly linked with a number of big name players and recent reports have touted Borussia Dortmund's Julian Brandt with a move to St James' Park.

Julian Brandt: Newcastle interested in Arsenal transfer target Indeed, according to the Daily Mirror, Newcastle are prepared to rival Arsenal for the Dortmund forward.

Howe is said to have liked what he saw from the German international during the recent Champions League double-header against Dortmund, with Brandt having scored in Tuesday's game.

For their part, the German giants are believed to be unlikely to sell the 27-year-old in January but that will not stop interest emerging during the summer transfer window.

Julian Brandt to Newcastle: What UEFA said about his Champions League performance It's easy to see why Howe might would be interested in Brandt, who recently praised the atmosphere inside St James'.

Handed the Player of the Match Award after Dortmund's win earlier this week, UEFA's Technical Observer Panel said (via UEFA's LIVE blog): "He was a constant threat, with good movement, clever play and creative passing.

"He worked hard in and out of possession and was very dangerous with his set-piece delivery. He took his goal well, and it was thoroughly deserved."

Able to operate in a number of different attacking positions, the former Bayer Leverkusen player could be a versatile option for a team looking to compete across a number of fronts.

Indeed, pundit Gary Neville believes Newcastle should be looking to strengthen their attacking line and perhaps the club see Brandt as the ideal signing for that.