Report: What kind of player Eddie Howe wants at Newcastle in January

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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is reportedly already making plans for the January transfer window.

The 43-year-old hasn’t even been in the job for a week, but has already identified two positions he’d like to strengthen when the window swings open on New Year’s Day.

According to the Athletic, Howe would like to sign a centre-back. He would also like to improve his midfield options.

However, it is unclear whether he wants someone who can play centrally or out wide. It’s likely the former, considering Newcastle tried and failed to sign a centre midfielder in the summer.

The need for a centre-back is no surprise either. Again, Newcastle tried and failed to sign one in the summer. The likes of Kristoffer Ajer and William Saliba were heavily linked, only to move elsewhere.

The Magpies have been terrible at the back this season, conceding goals at will. Only Norwich have let in more, conceding 26 compared to our 24.

What Howe wants to improve before January

Newcastle can’t just rely on the January transfer window. They still have nine games to play before they can add to their squad.

Howe needs to get more out of the players currently at his disposal. And the Athletic claim that he has identified three areas of improvement – fitness, ball retention and shape.

This will be music to the ears of Toon fans.

We’ve already seen the players put through their paces, with Howe making them do the bleep test as his first act on Tuesday.

We need to be better on the ball too. At times we’re barely able to string two or three passes together. There never seems to be any control from Newcastle – something that will hopefully change under Howe.

Shape has been a big issue too – something that was our biggest strength under Rafa Benitez.

Improving these areas should lead to a sharp upturn in performances from Newcastle. We simply can’t rely on splashing the cash in January to save us from relegation.