Eddie Howe expects some deals to be done in January (Picture: Getty Images)
Eddie Howe reveals work is being done on possible signings in the January transfer window, saying there is a need to bring players into the club in the short term.
The Magpies are one of a number of clubs to be struggling with a long injury list this season, with a packed schedule thanks to Champions League football not helping their cause.
Sandro Tonali’s suspension for betting offences has also made the situation worse,while nine players are currently somewhere between sidelined for months and dealing with a minor injury.
Newcastle are hoping to improve on their current ninth place in the Premier League table, while they face an FA Cup third round tie with Sunderland this weekend and want a run in that competition.
To do so, Howe admits that his squad needs boosting and says that work is in progress to bring players in.
‘Short term there would be a need to bring people in given the numbers, but we’ll assess as the month goes on as by the end of January we hope to have some big players back,’ said the Newcastle boss.
On Possible incomings, he added: ‘It’s something we’re working on behind the scenes. There’s a lot of work that’s gone on, that’ll never stop regardless of how active you are in the market.’
Bruno Guimaraes has been linked with a move away from St James’ Park (Picture: Getty Images)
Newcastle certainly don’t want to lose any of their key players and Howe said as much when asked about midfielder Bruno Guimaraes being linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
‘When you are talking about your best players you want to keep them at the football club as long as possible so that is certainly our aim,’ he said.
Kalvin Phillips is one player linked with a January move to St James’ Park as the Manchester City midfielder is struggling for game time with the Premier League champions.
The England man is keen for minutes before the European Championships this summer and a loan move looks likely, although the Magpies face competition from the likes of Juventus and Crystal Palace.
MORE : Kalvin Phillips’ move to Newcastle at risk of collapse due to Manchester City’s demands
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.