Newcastle United chiefs are heading into the January transfer window with their minds open but also with the need that some freshening up might be required.
While the window may not be as exhaustive as last winter, and by the way it doesn't need to be given the shape of Eddie Howe's squad right now, there is still a feeling that Newcastle will be doing both incoming and outgoing business in early 2023.
Howe held transfer talks in Riyadh with sporting director Dan Ashworth and there have been other high profile meetings during the trip.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe's scary message after Newcastle United's week in Riyadh
Howe hinted at players who are in need of game-time going into the new year and with suggestions that departures could be the offing for some squad men, there's no doubt that there would be a one in, one out policy. With Miguel Almiron in superb form there is also less pressure on bringing in a player that can operate on the right-hand side of Howe's three-pronged attack.
Almiron is the in form player in the Premier League at the moment and current player of the month and goal of the month award winner. Which brings us on to the subject of Leicester's James Maddison.
Maddison was the subject of a £50million bid from United back in the summer but it seemingly wasn't good enough for the Foxes then. The City slicker is certainly a player that fans would welcome on Tyneside and for many would even be their pick in January if asked.
Newcastle are not entirely ruling the Maddison deal out but are also confident of pushing on if it didn't go through. As things stand it is the Maddison camp that are keen to stay in contact.
Elsewhere in Howe's squad he is likely to extend the deal of Loris Karius while other longer term senior squad members will need a game plan. Newcastle's young guns that have made the squad up due to World Cup absentees are also likely to head out on loan with Shola Ameobi set to be busy in the next few weeks.
Ameobi set up a deal for Elliot Anderson to go to Bristol Rovers last January in a move that proved to be beneficial to the playmaker's career. The aim will be to send Joe White and possibly Dylan Stephenson on loans in the new year.
No limit has been put on first-team business behind the scenes but with the squad already full, the right balancing act will be required. There is optimism in the air going into January at St James' Park.
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