Newcastle United chiefs are already into the planning stage for next summer's transfer window with this season proving to be an earlier than expected education in the Premier League.
If the last two months have taught Eddie Howe, sporting director Dan Ashworth and chief scout Steve Nickson anything, it is the gulf between the top four and the rest of the chasing pack isn't the simple leap many first thought. When Newcastle were flying in autumn, a Champions League place looked like a good bet on Tyneside.
But nailing down a place has proved to be a struggle for Newcastle with just one win in eight and others playing catch up. When United ran out 3-0 winners at Leicester City on Boxing Day they had a seven point lead within the top four.
