Newcastle United transfer news: Magpies tipped to sign £72m ex-Ligue 1 sensation, Chelsea eye ex-Barcelona man
The Magpies will head into the game in decent spirits, after holding Manchester United to a 1-1 draw at St James' Park in their last outing.
When Newcastle last faced the Saints, back in late August, Steve Bruce's side thought they'd snatch a win in stoppage time, after going 2-1 up courtesy of Allan Saint-Maximin, but were pegged back in the 96th minute as England international James Ward-Prowse slotted home the equaliser.
As things stand, the Magpies are 19th in the table and two points from safety, while their next opponents are sitting a little more comfortably up in 13th place.
Speaking ahead of the transfer window opening, Howe gave an insight into the Magpies' plans for the month, and said: "Of course, ideally, you'd want to utilise every day that you have (to do business)
“Certainly, from our perspective, we know we're in a hurry, we're not sat back thinking we've got all the time in the world. That's not where we are in our current position. Every day matters.
“In saying that, you don't control a lot of those factors, the players and the clubs, and sometimes the agents, control the speed of things. We're well aware of what we need to do, but, as I say, doing it is another thing. It's very complex.”
Take a look at today's biggest stories from the Premier League, as the build-up to this weekend's festive football action continues:
1. Schick in high demand
A host of Premier League clubs are believed to be vying for the signature of Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick. However, his club look unlikely to sell before the end of the season, as they remain focused on securing Champions League qualification. (90min) Photo: Matthias Hangst
2. Duo jostle for Vecino
Everton and Leicester City have been tipped to go head to head in the race to sign Inter midfielder Matias Vecino. The Uruguayan ace is expected to leave the Serie A side once his contract expires in June, and Real Betis are also on his tail. (Calciomercato) Photo: Gabriele Maltinti
3. Seagulls starlet set for early return
Brighton have been handed a major fitness boost heading into the new year, with starlet Jeremy Sarmiento tipped to return as early as February despite suffering a hamstring injury earlier this month. He was injured just 11 minutes into his Seagulls debut. (Sport Witness) Photo: Julian Finney
4. Spurs set Kulusevski asking price
Spurs could have to stump up £40m to sign Juventus midfielder Dejan Kulusevski. He previously played under current Spurs boss Antonio Conte at Juve, and could now be sold to raise the funds for his club to land Sassuolo’s Gianluca Scamacca. (Calciomercato) Photo: Valerio Pennicino