Joe Cole believes Newcastle United must sign ‘very specific’ central and wide defenders in the January transfer window for Eddie Howe, while speaking on BT Sport (16/12, 22:38).
The Magpies sit 19th in the Premier League table, three-points from safety, following a 3-1 defeat at Liverpool on Thursday. They have also played once more than 17th-place Watford – who will not face Crystal Palace on Saturday, as well – and twice more than 18th Burnley.
Much of the Toon’s struggles so far this term have come defensively under Steve Bruce and Howe. No team has allowed more goals than United (37), who have kept one clean sheet.
Newcastle recorded their only shut out of the season so far in their sole win over 17 games against Burnley. But they still remain with the second-worst goal difference on minus-19.
Cole issues Newcastle ‘very specific’ January transfer instruction
Cole believes Newcastle have enough attacking talents to help Howe address their perilous position, but they must spend on defenders during the upcoming January transfer window.
However, the former England midfielder adds the Toon cannot spend on anyone who may be available. Instead, United must spend on players who they know are up for the fight.
“The centre of defence is what Newcastle have to [improve],” Cole said. “It’s a very specific type of player they need.
“You can’t have anyone coming up here who wants to be a fancy type. They need grafters, they need people that Eddie Howe can put on the pitch at centre-half or full-back and know what you’re going to get.
“There’s some talent in the forward areas – we’ve seen that tonight [against Liverpool] with [Allan] Saint-Maximin. [Jonjo] Shelvey can pick a pass. They have got some players who can hurt you. Callum Wilson can get a goal.
“But in that position, that back four, it’s very tricky to get people in in normal years, in January. So now, with the added worry of covid, it going to be even more difficult.”
Howe eying a raft of defenders to address dire situation
Howe and Newcastle seem to share Cole’s stance on needing to spend on defenders in the January transfer window. Reports have linked the Toon with a myriad of potential options.
Among them include Atletico Madrid full-back Kieran Trippier, who the Daily Mail report is open to joining Newcastle. But the Daily Mail also report club chiefs are insecure over Sven Botman leaving Lille to help their relegation fight.
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