Newcastle United's dream XI post January transfer window if rumours are true

The January transfer window is open for business and Newcastle United are taking a ‘watching brief’ as they consider adding to their squad ahead of a hectic second half of the season.

The Magpies are well placed to attack the remainder of the campaign and remain in contention to achieve success in four separate competitions over the coming months. Securing another season in the Champions League by claiming a top four finish in the Premier League is a priority and Eddie Howe’s side will hope to land a spot in the knockout phase of UEFA’s premier cup competition by securing positive results in upcoming games against PSV Eindhoven and Paris Saint-Germain.

United progressed into the FA Cup fourth round with a dramatic penalty shoot-out win against Bournemouth on Saturday and they will hope to take a step closer towards defending the Carabao Cup when they host Manchester City in the first leg of their semi-final tie on Tuesday night.

However, with injuries hampering Howe’s attempts to guide his squad throughout a challenging period in their season, there have been suggestions Newcastle could look to the transfer market to ease some of their injury concerns. Speaking after Saturday’s FA Cup win against Bournemouth, Howe admitted recent injuries to Fabian Schar and Tino Livramento could force further discussions over a possible venture into the market before the end of the month.

He said: "We have taken the right stance so far, but will assess it on a day-by-day basis. Obviously, one area we did not want to lose players was defensively and we have lost two in quick succession. Let's see, we discuss things on a daily basis, and we will try to make the right decision. I think we need players to play games. We need enough cover. Today, unfortunately, we put a couple of the players at risk just with extra time. That is every player on the pitch the risk gets higher in extra time the more you play. We'd love to have enough bodies to lessen that risk but at the moment we don't have the options."

As we await news on the possibility of new additions, we take a look at how could Newcastle’s dream starting eleven look if the recent rumours are true?

Newcastle United’s dream XI if January transfer window rumours are true

Goalkeeper: Guillaume Restes

The Magpies went into the current season with two England goalkeepers in their squad - but it would be safe to say Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale have struggled to convince they can be first-choice stopper on a regular basis. There has been talk of a move for a younger goalkeeper and Toulouse’s Guillaume Restes has reportedly been monitored by United recruitment staff.

Right back: Tino Livarmento

There are some concerns over Livramento’s fitness after he hobbled out of Saturday’s FA Cup third round win against Bournemouth - but there is no doubt he is Eddie Howe’s first-choice right back when he is fully fit and available.

Left back: Lewis Hall

Hall appears to have shaken off his own fitness and injury concerns and has impressed since returning to the Magpies side. The former Chelsea man will hope to continue shining during the remainder of the season as he looks to secure a place in England’s World Cup finals squad.

Centre back: Malick Thiaw

The Germany international may well have endured a torrid time in the midweek win against Leeds United - but there is no doubt Thiaw has more than proven his worth during a highly impressive first season on Tyneside.

Centre back: Sven Botman

The Dutch defender has a chance to establish himself back at the heart of the Magpies defence once again after returning to contention. The Magpies have reportedly stepped up their efforts to agree a new contract with Botman in recent weeks.

Midfield: Bruno Guimaraes

Newcastle’s inspirational captain has hit new levels in recent weeks and has proven just why he is admired so much by everyone connected with the Magpies. He remains an integral part in United’s long-term plans and will hope to guide his side to further success during the second half of the season.

Midfield: Kees Smit

A whole host of European football’s leading lights are believed to be showing a serious interest in the Netherlands Under-21 international - and Newcastle are on an increasing list. The talented midfielder looks set to make a move away from AZ Alkmaar in the coming months and the Magpies would love to make him part of their already impressive options in the middle of the park.

Midfield: Sandro Tonali

Some have questioned Tonali’s form this season - but what can not be questioned is his quality and work-rate. The Italy international has been a big part in Eddie Howe’s side over the last two years and remains highly valued by the Magpies boss.

Right wing: Oscar Bobb

Despite the summer addition of Anthony Elanga and the presence of the likes of Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon, there have been reports suggesting Newcastle are one of the clubs showing an interest in a deal for the Manchester City youngster.

Left wing: Harvey Barnes

Newcastle’s man of the moment and their most in-form winger by some distance. Barnes may well have been shifted to the right-hand side on occasion this season - but there is no doubt he is outperforming his rivals in wide positions this season.

Striker: Yoane Wissa

Wissa is now back in contention and has been a lively presence after making the first appearances of his time as a Magpie. The former Brentford man will hope to embark on a strong run of form as Howe’s side go looking for further success during the second half of the season.

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