“I Interviewed Eddie Howe One-on-One Today… His January Transfer Plan Left Me SPEECHLESS

Supporters are growing increasingly restless for activity in the transfer market after a disappointing first half of the campaign, a feeling that has been intensified by an injury crisis that has ripped through Eddie Howe’s defensive ranks.

Publicly, Howe has largely stuck to the club’s long-standing messaging when discussing potential January business.

The consistent line has been that Newcastle will not be drawn into spending money purely to resolve short-term issues, with any recruitment needing to align with a broader, long-term strategy.

However, that position appears to have subtly shifted in recent days.

It is now understood that the club are prepared to invest in a defender during this window, provided the right opportunity presents itself.

Any addition would still need to fit the existing recruitment profile, rather than being a panic signing brought in simply to make up the numbers.

That more flexible stance was hinted at again during Friday morning’s press conference, but it became clearer during a one-to-one interview between Howe and Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

According to Downie, the Newcastle head coach offered a more candid response when pressed on possible incomings.

Downie revealed: “In the one-to-one I did with him, he said they’re seriously considering what to do regarding bringing in another player, and I would suggest that player would be a defender.

He’s said there are lots of meetings taking place between himself, Ross Wilson and the recruitment department, and they’re giving real thought to adding someone because of the situation they’re in.

“When you look at it, Tino Livramento is out, Kieran Trippier has only just returned, Emil Krafth is still sidelined, and the defence is pretty much depleted right now.

I’ve said before that it would be a mistake not to bring in a defender at this stage.”

The expectation is that Newcastle’s priority would be a right-sided defender capable of providing cover for both Malick Thiaw and Fabian Schär.

That would be a logical move, particularly with Dan Burn edging closer to making his return from injury.

There is also a growing sense that adding a left-back could be beneficial.

Lewis Hall currently lacks natural cover in that position, an issue that has been exacerbated by Livramento’s absence.

Whether the club can move swiftly enough to secure one signing, or even surprise supporters by bringing in more than one player, remains to be seen.

What is clear, though, is that further delays risk Newcastle emerging from the window empty-handed.