It seems like the bubble of optimism around St James’ Park from the summer’s transfer business has somewhat burst already.
Owner Mike Ashley cast off the financial shackles that have characterised his North East reign during the last window to snap up some genuinely promising players and bring in a talented manager in the shape of Steve McClaren, but after eight games the Tynesiders sit at the foot of the table without a win to their name.
The rather embarrassing 6-1 loss at Manchester City last time out really did sum up where the issues are at St James Park: defence.
Only fellow North East outfit Sunderland have conceded more goals than Newcastle’s 17, but their greater proficiency at the other end means that McClaren’s men have the worst goal difference in the division, a worrying -11. A lack of pace, nous and desire at the back are apparent, making additions in January appealing.
But, how can Newcastle sort this problem out? Well, here are FIVE options…
Andrea Ranocchia
A mooted target for the Magpies is giant Inter Milan defender Andrea Ranocchia. A full Italy international who has been lauded for his reading of the game in the past, the 27-year-old looks likely to be an option open to Newcastle in January, with the Nerazzurri having frozen him out of their first-team plans.
Despite Ranocchia being a former captain of the club, manager Roberto Mancini stripped him of the armband earlier this year, he’s been limited to just a handful of minutes in Serie A action this term, suggesting that his San Siro career is coming to a close, and even though the pace of the Premier League is far greater than that of Italy’s top tier, he could be worth a go.
As mentioned, his lack of speed and agility could be a problem, but alongside the more mobile Chancel Mbemba, he could provide a calming influence.
Ron Vlaar
A real gamble of a signing, but Newcastle may be in a position where gambles are necessary come the New Year.
Vlaar’s stock was so high that Manchester United were thought to be chasing him after last year’s World Cup, but since then he’s spent another season in a relegation-threatened Aston Villa side and has slipped into free agent status with a serious knee injury coinciding with the expiration of his contract.
‘Concrete Ron’ has undergone surgery on the troublesome joint and could be back in action by early 2016 if he can find a club. Premier League experience, physicality and genuine leadership skills make him appealing, but the effect his knee injury has had on his mobility is unknown.
Joel Matip
Perhaps ambitious given that Schalke are in the Europa League and playing well in the Bundesliga, but Matip is understood to be a Newcastle target.
The Cameroon international is pacey and strong, which are key traits Premier League defenders need, while his ability to fill in as a defensive midfielder could also be useful for McClaren (or whoever is in charge by January!)
It may take a big fee and sizable wages to lure Matip to Tyneside, but Newcastle have the cash, as they proved by snapping up Georginio Wijnaldum from Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven over the summer.
Nicolas Nkoulou
Newcastle have had a great deal of luck with imports from Ligue 1 in recent memory, so Nkoulou could be worth a go.
The Cameroonian defender is set to be a free agent next summer, so Marseille are not in the strongest position in terms of negotiating a decent fee for their commanding centre-back.
Having been a regular for l’OM for some time, the 25-year-old’s stock is pretty high and Newcastle may face serious opposition – Chelsea are believed to be interested – but for the right salary and the prospect of being in the shop window at St James’ Park, the ‘Toon’ could land an immediate upgrade on their current options.
Jonathan De Guzman
Centre-backs are not the only players that improve a team defensively, with holding midfielders also key. De Guzman is currently in the Napoli wilderness after his proposed move to Sunderland collapsed over the summer, so there’s every chance that the Naples club will do all they can to sell or loan out the Dutchman in January.
Not a traditional destroyer of a midfielder, the 28-year-old relies upon his mobility, positioning and passing ability from a deeper role in the centre of the pitch, and has been known to weigh in with some impressive goals through the years. A brief spell at Swansea also gives him vital Premier League experience.