Newcastle United might have produced one of their best performances of the season in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United but it remains clear that new signings are desperately needed. Indeed, Eddie Howe\u2019s current group are not good enough to keep the Magpies in the Premier League and transfer activity should be expected in January.<\/p>\n
Speculation has swirled around St James\u2019 Park since a Saudi Arabia-backed takeover of Newcastle United was completed in October, but with Howe\u2019s team currently second bottom of the Premier League table they might find it difficult to attract new players. Nonetheless, here are five realistic transfer targets for Newcastle.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Nathan Ake (Manchester City)<\/strong><\/p>\n Signed for \u00a341m only 18 months ago, Nathan Ake has become something of a forgotten figure at Manchester City, starting just five Premier League games this season. Howe knows the Dutch defender well from their time together at Bournemouth and Newcastle United need defensive reinforcements.<\/p>\n Ake is a good all-rounder, in that he is comfortable with the ball at his feet and also offers a physical presence, and would immediately strengthen Newcastle United\u2019s defensive ranks. West Ham have also been linked with a January move for the 26-year-old, but Howe\u2019s history with Ake could be a factor in his decision.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ross Barkley (Chelsea)<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s fair to say Ross Barkley\u2019s career has stalled in recent times with the midfielder a peripheral figure at Chelsea. Indeed, Barkley has started just one Premier League game so far this season, but showed glimpses of his former brilliance in a semi-successful loan spell at Aston Villa last term.<\/p>\n At 28 years old, Barkley has plenty left to offer and would surely relish the opportunity of a fresh start in the North East. He would be an improvement on what Newcastle United currently have in the way of midfield options and could give the Magpies some much-needed drive through the centre of the pitch so is bound to be considered among their January signings.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona)<\/strong><\/p>\n While Newcastle United must prioritise defensive additions this January, they could target a \u2018Robinho\u2019 signing to announce themselves as a major force in the transfer market. Philippe Coutinho, who continues to struggle for game time at Barcelona, would fit the bill with the Brazilian playmaker believed to be available.<\/p>\n Coutinho is a proven match winner in the Premier League and would give Newcastle another weapon in attack. Howe is known for favouring fast, free-flowing attacking play and this approach could get the best out of Coutinho who has generally failed to adapt to Barcelona\u2019s 4-3-3 formation since making the move to the Camp Nou from Liverpool nearly four years ago.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jesse Lingard (Manchester United)<\/strong><\/p>\n A highly successful loan stint at West Ham in the second half of last season reminded everyone of Jesse Lingard\u2019s quality, but the 29-year-old has struggled for game time back at Manchester United this season. Lingard is widely expected to be on his way out of Old Trafford for good with a return to West Ham unsurprisingly seen as an option.<\/p>\n However, Newcastle United could get involved in the bidding for a player who would ease their reliance on Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson for a spark in the attacking third and would be one of the more sensible signings they could make. Lingard will surely be motivated to get back in the England squad for the 2022 World Cup and so this would be a good time for the Magpies to pick him up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n