Newcastle United tried and failed to sign a centre-back during the summer, and might be forced to try again when the January transfer window opens.

That is because Newcastle's defensive options are limited right now by the club's ongoing injury crisis.

The Magpies are currently without Sven Botman, who has not featured since the 8-0 win over Sheffield United. He is arguably the club's best centre-back, and it is unclear when he is going to be able to return.

On top of that, Dan Burn is also out injured. He sustained a back problem in the 1-0 win over Arsenal earlier this month, and is going to be out of action for months.

Elsewhere in defence, Matt Targett has undergone surgery after injuring his hamstring in the Carabao Cup win over Manchester United.

Injuries are crippling Newcastle right now, and that could lead to them reigniting their interest in a summer target when the transfer window re-opens in less than two months.

Newcastle interested in Jonathan Tah once again According to TEAMtalk, Newcastle are considering making a move for Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah when the January transfer window opens.

They state that centre-back is one of Eddie Howe's top priorities in January, with Tah currently on their radar.

MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES

The 'dominant' German defender was linked with a move to St James' Park during the summer, but a deal never happened. It was claimed that Newcastle spoke to intermediaries about the possibility of signing Tah. However, that appears to be as far as it went.

They have been aided by a rock-solid defence, with Leverkusen keeping four clean sheets so far. Tah has started every game, with RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich the only two sides who have scored more than once against Leverkusen.

Tah has also been influential at the other end of the pitch, scoring three times already in the Bundesliga.

The Magpies may feel like they have an ace up their sleeve too, as Tah is represented by the same agency as Sean Longstaff. Perhaps that could help Newcastle do a deal for the Germany international in January.