Eddie Howe pencils down two priority signings for Newcastle United in January

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Newcastle United want to strengthen in January, but there are no guarantees they will be active in the transfer market.

The Magpies are still feeling the effects of an arduous summer that saw six senior signings arrive at St James’ Park. It also saw Newcastle sell Alexander Isak to Liverpool for a British record fee of £125million, despite insisting all summer that he was going nowhere.

Now January is on the horizon, with centre-midfield reinforcements potentially on the agenda. Newcastle United are interested in Kees Smit, the Dutch wonderkid who is destined for a very bright future away from AZ Alkmaar.

Newcastle think Smit is an attainable signing in January, as Ross Wilson aims to add another centre-midfielder to Eddie Howe’s squad.

However, that is not the only position that the Magpies will look to strengthen in.

Newcastle United looking to sign full-backs

The big money departure of Alexander Isak means Newcastle do have the capacity to spend in January in terms of PSR. That is not to say they will, but the option to bring in reinforcements is there if the right kind of players are available.

According to the Athletic, a new midfielder is a priority for Newcastle United, as is full-back.

The report adds that there will be no panic buying from PIF, with the Magpies looking for long-term players who fit the project rather than short-term acquisitions.

It is certainly wise of Newcastle United to look for reinforcements at full-back, on both the left and the right.

Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall are the Magpies’ present and future, but there is a need for more cover.

Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn are providing that right now, but they are 35-years-old and 33-years-old respectively. In order for Newcastle to evolve, they need to bring in younger alternatives.

Newcastle United must target another Tino Livramento

In Tino Livramento, Eddie Howe has the ideal player. The 23-year-old is just as good at right-back as he is at left-back, which has made him an incredibly valuable asset to the Newcastle United squad.

That should be at the forefront of Newcastle’s mind when they look to sign a new full-back. They could really benefit from buying someone who can play on both sides, just like Livramento.

That type of versatility is massively important in the modern game, and it is something Eddie Howe craves from his players.