A new report has revealed Newcastle United's four main transfer targets that the club will look to bring in next January.
After appointing Eddie Howe as manager, the next priority for the new Saudi-led ownership group is to solidify the club's status in the Premier League by fending off the spectre of relegation.
The Magpies are currently rock-bottom of the table, having failed to win a single game in 12 attempts so far.
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While there was cause for hope during Howe's debut game in charge last weekend, in which the home side drew 3-3 with Brentford, it must also be said that plenty of work remains.
There is also a serious dearth of quality in some crucial areas of the pitch, which could be remedied with a few shrewd investments over the winter.
According to the Northern Echo (via CaughtOffside), the new owners have four names at the top of their January hit-list: James Tarkowski, Jesse Lingard, Divock Origi and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
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All four could be available when the window reopens, whether that be on a permanent or short-term basis.
Crucially, Newcastle has the financial muscle to outgun any club that joins the bidding war, which could be an issue if they are still stuck in the relegation zone by that point.
Arguably, the most interesting rumoured deal for Toon fans will be that of Lingard, who is exactly the type of player Eddie Howe is crying out for.
Creative, with an eye for the spectacular, the 28-year-old would surely add goals to United's midfield - just as he did for West Ham last season.
And yet, for all that Newcastle may create, as last weekend's clash with Brentford highlighted, the backline still looks exceptionally fragile.
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Tarkowski, a fully-fledged England international, could help ease these concerns, as the Burnley man is an intelligent Centre-back with over six years of Premier League experience.
While Origi and Zinchenko may not come into the squad as automatic starters, if they did also join Howe's revolution, both could have a vital role to play in terms of adding some much-needed strength in depth.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Saudi Arabia, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Premier League, Divock Origi, Eddie Howe, Jesse Lingard, St James' Park, Newcastle United