Newcastle have now identified which position they believe to be the first priority in January

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Newcastle United will soon enter what is probably the biggest month of the season as the January window opens and the team face four huge fixtures.

Newcastle are keen to improve the current squad after suffering from an unexpected number of injuries and suspensions this season, leading to a huge slump in form as of late.

The i understands that the first position Newcastle will look to attack in January the goalkeeper with Nick Pope set to be out for at least the majority of the rest of the season.

A goalkeeper is top of Newcastle’s January list

Eddie Howe’s confidence in Martin Dubravka is clearly decreasing as the games go on despite previously suggesting that he has full faith in the Slovakian to reach Pope’s very high standards.

Having shipped 14 goals in the seven games that he’s played in all competitions, Dubravka is just not at the level where Newcastle would like to be and the shot-stopper is struggling to make a big impact.

At the weekend, the 34-year-old conceded three goals to former Newcastle man Chris Wood and was beaten far too easily which may have sparked the conversation into attaining a new keeper.

It’s bene unfortunate for Dubravka to have been brought into the team during their weakest defensive performances, but it is his all round game that has been so poor regardless of the players in front of him.

Newcastle have two names as potential replacements

Ahead of the January window opening, Newcastle already have two names in mind who could come in as temporary replacements for Pope as he continues his recovery.

Both David de Gea and Aaron Ramsdale have been linked with a move to the North East with the pair not playing as much football as they would like at the minute.

De Gea has been without a club since leaving Manchester United in the summer and is believed to be keen on moving to Newcastle, though his wages present a big problem.

It’s not clear if Ramsdale wants to go to Newcastle, but the 25-year-old is no longer first choice at Arsenal and needs to be playing regularly if he wants to secure his spot in the England team for Euro 2024.

A loan move looks most preferable for Newcastle who still see Pope as their long-term keeper, but Arsenal are believed to be looking for a permanent move or a loan to buy.