Is this Mike Ashley's final Newcastle United gamble?

Newcastle United were busy in last month’s transfer window, but one decision left the club’s fanbase underwhelmed. Steve Bruce’s side has struggled to score goals in the Premier League all season – and supporters wanted to see a striker, above all else, arrive before last night's deadline.

The reaction online wasn’t unexpected when it was confirmed that there would be no more signings.

“There wasn't a striker to be had at that sort of money – that's the top and bottom of it,” said Bruce. “There simply isn't anyone who is better than what we've got.”

Bruce has one fit striker – Joelinton. However, Andy Carroll, Yoshinori Muto and Dwight Gayle are close to fitness.

United’s head coach has strengthened by signing Valentino Lazaro and Nabil Bentaleb – and covered for the loss of Jetro Willems and Paul Dummett by signing Danny Rose – but only time will tell if his team has enough goals.

The revelation that the club had failed in a £35million bid for Lille’s Boubakary Soumare surprised fans, who questioned why the club was prepared to pay that much for a midfielder – and not £20million for Hull City forward Jarrod Bowen.

United, the subject of a takeover bid, should have enough to stay up, but staying up alone is not enough for fans.

Somehow, Bruce must coax enough goals out of his team to get over the Premier League finishing line – and progress in the FA Cup.