MY ACCOUNT
The World Cup is over and domestic football has returned with Newcastle hoping to pick up where they left off when they face Bournemouth.
The Magpies have been flying since the club was taken over last year and are performing superbly in the Premier League.
But there is nothing like winning silverware — and the Tynesiders have not lifted a major title since the FA Cup in 1955.
We take a look at the shape Eddie Howe’s men are in ahead of their Carabao Cup fourth-round clash with the Cherries — and where they might want to strengthen in the January transfer window.
A quick start
Newcastle have enjoyed a superb start to the season — their focus now will be on ensuring the winter break does not cause them to lose momentum.
The Magpies are third in the Premier League ahead of the restart having taken 30 points from 15 games — just seven behind league leaders Arsenal and two away from Manchester City.
Toon have scored 29 goals and conceded 11 — only Arsenal, City and Tottenham have outgunned them and nobody can boast a meaner defence, though the Gunners can match their tally.
Both Newcastle and the North Londoners have also kept seven clean sheets. That is more than anyone else and a reflection of the importance Howe has placed on developing defensive solidity at St James’ Park.
Building on momentum
To compete with the best, teams must strengthen even when they are doing well — and Newcastle will be aware of this given the strength of the chasing pack.
Tottenham, Manchester United and Liverpool will be eager to leapfrog the Magpies and January reinforcements may help them stave off the competition.
Finances are not an issue for Newcastle but — in keeping with the way they have conducted their business since the takeover — it is understood they will not be reckless in the market.
Reports indicate Toon chiefs will be considered in their approach this winter, though a right-back and a midfielder are on their shopping list.
Defensive reinforcements
Newcastle may have the joint-best defence in the Premier League — but that does not mean depth cannot be added.
England international Kieran Trippier was signed from Atletico Madrid last January in a statement of intent and he has settled in well at St James’ Park.
But the 32-year-old right-back, who won LaLiga during his time in Spain, does not have a suitable understudy. Two reported targets are Ivan Fresneda and Harrison Ashby.
Fresneda has just broken into Real Valladolid’s first team — the 18-year-old has only played six games in the Spanish top flight but has also attracted the attention of Everton.
Ashby, of West Ham, was the subject of interest from the Magpies during the summer window only for the move to fall through. The 21-year-old will be a free agent come the end of this season.
Strengthening midfield
Newcastle boast one of the strongest midfields in the Premier League — their starting three this season has been Sean Longstaff, Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes.
Guimaraes has been the Magpies’ star man since he arrived from Lyon — but the Brazilian’s game could be taken to another level should another creative force arrive on Tyneside.
The big name mentioned has been James Maddison of Leicester, who travelled to Qatar for the World Cup with England.
He is an inventive attacking midfielder keen to take his game to new heights and may see Newcastle as the ideal platform upon which to showcase his talents.
A fluid approach
Speaking in Riyadh during Newcastle’s winter training camp in Saudi Arabia, Howe gave reporters an insight into how he and his team are planning to approach the January window.
He said: “A lot can change between now and January.
“We have talked and had discussions about what it may look like but there is such a long time before that window opens. We are still very flexible in terms of what we are going to do.”
This suggests Newcastle want to do business but will only make moves they think are right.
Their immediate focus, however, will be their clash with Bournemouth as they look to compete for silverware.
