The January budget Steve Bruce is set to receive according to NUFC reporter at The Athletic
According to The Athletic's Chris Waugh, Steve Bruce will have between '£15-£25m' to spend in January - a total which could be boosted by any player sales.
Waugh also states that Bruce is hoping to bring in a midfielder to add 'greater legs to the engine room', also revealing that another winger will also be on his shopping list in the new year.
Here's what Chris had to say when asked about the club's January transfer plans during The Athletic's latest Q&A session:
"It depends what you mean by 'decent'. Should there be money to spend? Yes. In the region of £15 million to £25 million, which can be augmented by players sales. In the current climate, and in January when transfers are inflated further, it isn't exactly huge money, but might get Newcastle one or two decent additions who can really aid their season, if they scout well."
"I know that Bruce wants a midfielder, while he would ideally like another winger/forward as well. Bruce wants greater legs in the engine room, while he wants another option in attack because Newcastle lack pace in certain areas. I'd be surprised if they weren't active in January, regardless of how well or badly the next few months go."
If the former Chronicle man is correct and Bruce is looking to make at least two signings with £15-£25m to spend, it looks like we'll be looking for value signings around Europe.
That said, I'm not entirely sure why Bruce would be looking for another central midfielder, with Hayden, Shelvey, S. Longstaff, M.Longstaff and Ki already battling for two spots in the first-team as things stand.
You could argue that we're yet to replace Mo Diame and lack tacklers, with Shelvey and Ki also limited in what they can offer off the ball, but I'd be wary of any new signing limiting both Matty and Sean's development.
As for wingers, that is most definitely an area that must be added to.
Saint-Maximin looks a real talent but has had injury issues. Atsu has looked lively, but has always struggled to deliver in key areas at this level and the same applies to a goal-shy Miguel Almiron, so another option is badly needed to take the pressure off his shoulders and contribute where it matters in the final third.
With a budget of £15-£25m in mind and a midfielder and winger on our radar, who would you like to see us go for in January?
