The Athletic’s Newcastle United correspondent George Caulkin has claimed that there is money available for the Toon to spend in January.
During the summer transfer window, Steve Bruce’s outfit secured the arrival of five players on permanent transfers (per Transfermarkt).
Three of those players – Ryan Fraser, Jeff Hendrick and Mark Gillespie – arrived on free transfers, while the Toon paid fees for two players – Jamal Lewis and Callum Wilson.
In terms of outgoings, only one player left for a fee as Dan Barlaser joined Rotherham United for £248,000.
During the latest episode of The Athletic’s Pod On The Tyne podcast, Caulkin discussed the January transfer window and claimed that there is money available for signings.
He said: “Well, there is money there and I think the feeling was that they didn’t do all of the things they could do, or certainly, there was scope for loans – we know that.
“They [will] see what they can then do in January, that option is there. The feeling is it’s pointless just bringing in people for the sake of it, it’s about improving the team.
“They, theoretically, did that in the summer. I mean, certainly, in terms of the people that have come in, if you look at the quality that’s there, we haven’t seen that on the pitch in terms of results.
“We did think that the lack of a striker backup to Callum Wilson, in particular, might be a problem somewhere down the line. Fingers crossed that won’t be the case, but we will see.
“I mean, there’s scope to do things, but whether they will or not is the unknown part of it, I’m sure Steve Bruce will push them to.”
TIF Thoughts on what George Caulkin said about the January transfer window…
As can be seen in what the journalist had to say, it seems that there are funds available for the Toon to sign players in January but it is unclear if they will do.
Where do Newcastle need to strengthen most in January?
Goalkeeper
Defence
Midfield
Attack
One position which the journalist mentioned in particular was a backup to Callum Wilson in attack, that being despite the fact the Toon have three other out-and-out strikers (per Transfermarkt).
However, between Joelinton, Andy Carroll and Dwight Gayle – who has been injured – only two goals have been scored this term. Both were bagged by Joelinton and neither were in the Premier League.
Those stats would certainly suggest that Bruce does not have an adequate backup to Wilson, which may suggest that Caulkin is right and that could, therefore, be where Newcastle place their attention in January.