Eddie Howe opened up transfer discussions ahead of the January window last night in Riyadh.
With sporting director Dan Ashworth also on the trip, Howe will start to make decisions on recruitment in the next month or so in order to be ready for business when the window swings open on January 1. Unlike last January though there is less urgency on incoming transfers.
Indeed, 12 months ago Howe's team were staring relegation in the face and critical action was required at the club sparking a drive to sign Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Matt Targett, Bruno Guimaraes and Dan Burn. But this time around Newcastle are sitting in third spot in the table ahead of the resumption of play in the Premier League.
