While the January transfer window intentions of many teams remain uncertain, you get the sense that we all have a fair idea as to the direction Newcastle will be looking to go in the weeks ahead.
With this being the first window since the Saudi takeover and the club in serious relegation trouble, they are likely to look to make some major signings. How realistic that will be considering their current position in the league remains to be seen, although they will certainly attempt to get some deals done.
It has previously been suggested that Newcastle will target the best players from the other teams in a similar position in the Premier League, strengthening their squad while also weakening a competitor's. However, you'd imagine the other clubs involved would do their best to resist such deals.
As a result, Eddie Howe and co may have to look overseas in order to reinforce their playing pool. One possible target has emerged.
90min.com are reporting that Newcastle will make a move for Atletico Madrid defender Kieran Trippier in January, offering to make him the highest paid player in the club's history in order to entice him to St James' Park.
Trippier is reportedly open to a return to the Premier League, with Manchester United keen on his signing last summer. However, Atletico's asking price of over £40million proved to be a major stumbling block.
At 31-years old and having only 18 months remaining on his contract, Newcastle may hope that they could strike a deal at a more reasonable price.
Whether Trippier would be interested in such a move remains to be seen. The England international would go from the La Liga champions to a team fighting relegation, with Atletico having also qualified for the Champions League knockout stages this week.
The reported salary on offer of £150,000 per week could help to persuade him. Such a contract would make him the highest paid player in Newcastle's history, with Eddie Howe thought to have made upgrading his defensive options his main priority in the weeks ahead.
Regardless of if they can land Trippier or not, Newcastle are sure to kick the tyres on quite a few deals next month.
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