Newcastle United have fresh targets on their list and may not necessarily go back to some of the names under consideration last summer.
United quickly moved on from Jesse Lingard after becoming frustrated last January and then focused on other targets in the summer after it became clear the ex-Manchester United winger wasn't keen on the switch to St James' Park. Instead, Lingard finds himself at relegation-haunted Nottingham Forest while Newcastle are riding high in the Premier League.
Lingard could have to find another club if Forest go down in May while Newcastle will have moved on to other targets in the next stage of their developments. Eddie Howe held the door wide open for Lingard earlier this year but he opted for a move elsewhere.
READ MORE: 'I never got to say goodbye' - Emotional Newcastle return planned as uncomfortable truth told
Newcastle are almost certainly going to have James Maddison punted their way ahead of the January window with the Leicester City star told at first hand by his England team-mates what an exciting project is unfolding on Tyneside. But Newcastle - who were led to believe there was a deal to be done on Maddison last summer - followed all the demands before being told "no" at £50million.
In January it will have to be a no-nonsense deal because Newcastle will move on to other targets. An intriguing month lies in wait to kick off 2023 and Howe will be looking to make decisions on some of his fringe players.
He has already stated on the record that only signings such as Alexander Isak or Sven Botman are going to really challenge his squad. Buying for the sake of buying is not an option and the moment Newcastle get a mere hint of "silly money" territory the deal is off.
Not even Howe knows an exact number when it comes to new signings because it will boil down to outgoing business. If a player who knows his game time will be limited gets an opportunity to move on, Howe will be open to the possibility.
Matt Ritchie is a player that could come into that category and while the winger is a good squad player to have around, Howe was open to an exit last summer. Back then he said: "Matty's own personal situation he will have his own thoughts. Mine is to try and keep him but it's well documented that Matty has been away from his family for a long period of time.
"He loves playing for Newcastle and is very passionate about the club. But I think it is unclear what direction we will take this year but from both sides, there is a lot of respect."
Whatever happens, my own personal view is Newcastle United will have a refreshed look for the second half of the season. They've given themselves a platform to grasp a Champions League place and with ambitious owners, they are keen to finish the job they started this season.
United have twice been here in recent times and failed to kick on. After finishing third in 2003 they opted to make just one summer signing in Lee Bowyer and started to lose ground at the top. Then in 2012 they only felt the need to bring in Vurnon Anita after finishing fifth and ended up in a relegation battle.
As the club grows and progresses under new owners those same mistakes don't seem likely this time around.
READ NEXT
James Maddison's words to Harry Kane as good as hint at the transfer profile Newcastle want
Newcastle's 'bright and aggressive' FFP move may save millions as Leeds United and Man City know
Newcastle owners are about to see something special as 'extremely busy' stadium message sent
Bruno Guimaraes' emotional words will reassure Newcastle as wounded animal set to be unleashed
Newcastle's secret manager meeting and the unthinkable Alan Shearer talks
