Excitement and expectation are at fever pitch on St James’ Park as the fans eagerly await for the cash to be spent in January. 

The latest episode of 888sport’s ‘The Eye Test’ podcast, looked at how far the Toon will be able to go and what will be seen as an impactful transfer strategy for Eddie Howe’s side.

Made up of Chelsea fan Rory Jennings, Man City fan, Steven McInerney, Man Utd fan, Flex, and Newcastle supporter, Alex Hurst, the panel agreed that flamboyant names are probably not the right route for Newcastle – especially given they find themselves in a relegation dogfight this season.

Instead, the panel identified names like James Ward-Prowse, Jesse Lingard and Wolves skipper Conor Coady as potential candidates to strengthen the Newcastle team. 

Hurst was under no illusions that the Toon find themselves in a tough spot this campaign, with Jennings outlining that relegation would be a major setback to future plans for success. 

Furthermore, the discussions come at a pivotal time, with it widely reported that the Premier League Chairman, Gary Hoffman is on the cusp of resigning over backlash following the takeover of Newcastle from the Saudi consortium.