Newcastle United need the January transfer window.

Though Financial Fair Play (FFP) constraints continue to loom, Eddie Howe needs reinforcement as a growing injury crisis refuses to subside at Newcastle.

Indeed, PIF have invested in every transfer window of their ownership thus far. Quite how much they will be able to this time around given FFP worries remains to be seen of course but it would be a shock if they don't do anything.

Midfield, obviously, has been touted as the priority. Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali are the only two central midfielders signed since the takeover and the latter is now banned until August, so it's easy to see why the likes of Kalvin Phillips is being linked with a move.

Still, it may not be the only position the club are looking at strengthening.

Newcastle transfer news: Club could target area Alan Shearer wants looking at According to The Athletic, Newcastle are expected to scour the market for a new forward in January.

That was an area Alan Shearer said needed bolstering during a live recording of the Pod on the Tyne Podcast last month and it appears the club have plans to do so in mind.

Still, the report also adds that the club may instead focus on a versatile option instead of a traditional No.9.

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Callum Wilson, after all, bagged 18 Premier League goals last season and both he and Alexander Isak are within the top six in the charts this season.

Still, both have suffered with injury problems during their Newcastle careers.

Without those, Howe doesn't have a particularly compelling forward to regularly be relied on. Anthony Gordon is improving but Joelinton cannot be relied upon, as was shown away at Borussia Dortmund last week.

With that in mind, it seems wise to target that particular area.