Lee Charnley issues statement ahead of January transfer window

Newcastle United head coach Steve Bruce has attempted to manage expectations ahead of the window in recent weeks.

And Charnley, United’s managing director, has echoed Bruce’s comments in an interview with BBC Radio Newcastle.

The club, which is 11th in the Premier League ahead of Saturday’s game against Burnley at Turf Moor, spent more than £60million in the summer, though this outlay was partly offset by the £30million sale of Ayoze Perez to Leicester City.

“Steve’s been on the record saying he’s happy with his group of players, and when we approached the window in the summer we did so on the basis that we do the vast majority of our business in that window,” said Charnley.

“I think what’s been pleasing to see in recent games is players that, let’s say, were out of the squad in the early part coming in and making a significant contribution.

“In January, we’ve got, hopefully, Matty Ritchie to come back, who we’ve not really seen this season. Jamaal hopefully should be back.

“Obviously, we’ve got Florian Lejeune, who the manager’s not seen. So, a the minute, we’ve got good strength in depth in most positions on the field. What I don’t want to do is over-promise and under-deliver.

“But, is that to say, if the right opportunity came up that we wouldn’t look at it? Then, clearly, if there’s an opportunity there that makes sense for us, that may well be something that we would look at.”