Following a testing start to the season, Newcastle United find themselves currently occupying 15th spot in the league after 21 league games.
After a summer transfer window that saw Newcastle make more money than they spent, fans will be clamouring for Mike Ashley to finally break the bank this January.
Surely it can’t be long before the Magpies break their transfer record of £16m set back in 2005 for Michael Owen.
With that in mind, here are six players the Magpies should start look to sign during the January transfer window.
1. Kieran Gibbs
Kieran Gibbs has impressed with West Brom in the Championship so far this season, and would definitely be excited over the prospect of returning to the Premier League.
Gibbs offers an attacking threat, something that isn’t currently an option with Paul Dummett as the only option.
2. Fabricio Bustos
When Benitez was quizzed over his plans for the January transfer window, he seemingly ruled out any moves for Premier League players. However, he did hint at the possibility of signing players from further afield.
Fabricio Bustos may not be known by many in Europe, but he did win his first cap for Argentina back in March and is thought to have a bright future ahead of him. He’s good on the ball, can play either side of the defence and is lightning quick.
Should the Magpies go in for the 22-year-old there’s no doubt that he’d relish the chance of playing against some of the world’s best in the Premier League.
3. Dario Benedetto
It’s clear that scoring is an issue for Benitez’s side – only Salomon Rondon has scored more that two goals this season for the Magpies.
Dario Benedetto, currently of Boca Juniors, and is certainly a player who would make a big difference in the final third for the Magpies.
The 28-year-old has a wealth of footballing experience in Argentina, scoring 105 goals in 254 games – a record that should excite Newcastle fans.
4. Miguel Almiron
Miguel Almiron has been linked with Newcastle for quite some time now, the Paraguayan international recently won the MLS Cup with Atlanta, assisting the second goal as they ran out 2-0 winners over Portland Timbers.
Newcastle are lacking creativity in the midfield, and Almiron would undoubtedly provide that to the Magpies.
5. Ludwig Augustinsson
Another left-back that would provide a different, more creative, option to Paul Dummett.
Swedish international Ludwig Augustinsson, currently of Werder Bremen, is creative and more than capable to whip a deadly cross into the box.
6. Valere Germain
Rondon is the top scorer for the Magpies this season with five goals; aside from the on-loan forward however, no Newcastle player has scored more than two goals.
Valere Germain would represent a cheap alternative to Rondon for Newcastle, and with a wealth of experience at the highest level, would be expected to fit seamlessly into Benitez’s plans.
