How Newcastle United's £308m starting XI of instant top four contenders could look by end of transfer window

Newcastle United are still enjoying the good feeling provided by their FA Cup third round win against Sunderland - but there are more pressing matters at hand for the Magpies hierarchy.

Despite the obvious positivity created by their long-awaited win on Wearside, Eddie Howe's side face two challenging fixtures as they look to return to form in the Premier League. Reigning champions Manchester City are the visitors to St. James' Park on Saturday evening before United travel to Aston Villa on the final Tuesday of the month.

The trip to Villa Park comes just 24 hours before the end of the January transfer window and there are reports suggesting Newcastle are aiming to add at least two players to Howe's squad before the end of the month. There are complicating factors, such as the Magpies ongoing battle to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations and the hope that a number of injured players will return to contention over the coming weeks.

But there should be new faces arriving before the window 'slams shut' and the yellow ticker on a certain sports news broadcaster is put to rest until the end of the season. So how could Newcastle's starting eleven look when the first month of the year comes to a close?

Martin Dubravka

With regular number one Nick Pope sidelined until the end of the season, there had been speculation the Magpies would venture into the transfer market for a replacement. Former Manchester United keeper David de Gea and Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale were among those linked - but Dubravka’s solid performance in Saturday’s FA Cup win at Sunderland will have eased some concerns over his capability to remain in between the sticks for the rest of the campaign.

Kieran Trippier

The England right-back had something of a nightmare December with some high-profile errors that coincided with a poor run of results from the Magpies. However, confidence and belief in Trippier remain strong at St. James' Park and it would be a shock if he doesn’t retain his place as first choice right-back.

Dan Burn

Burn remains key in Eddie Howe’s plans and despite the undoubted promise of Tino Livramento and on-loan Chelsea youngster Lewis Hall, the former Fulham and Birmingham City man will be a trusted outlet for the Magpies boss.

Fabian Schar

The Swiss defender surely remains one of the most underrated centre-backs in the Premier League and continues to prove what a bargain he was when Rafa Benitez paid just £3m for his services during the summer of 2018. With the ink now dry on a new deal, Schar will remain integral in Eddie Howe’s plans.

Sven Botman

Now back from injury, the Dutch defender will hope to return to the sort of form that saw him enjoy an outstanding first season on Tyneside. Botman’s partnership with fellow centre-back Schar was one of the main reasons why the Magpies qualified for the Champions League last season.

Kalvin Phillips

Talk over a move for the England midfielder has been ongoing for months and there have been some suggestions Newcastle are creeping closer towards an agreement over a loan deal for the Manchester City star. Phillips’ high levels of hard work and intensity will be a major attraction for Howe and he seems a ready-made fit for a Newcastle midfield.

Bruno Guimaraes

Another player that is slowly showing signs of getting back to his effective best, Guimaraes makes Newcastle tick and gives them some control in the middle of the park. There should be no surprise the Brazil star has been linked with a move away from Tyneside - but it seems almost unthinkable to think such a move would come before the end of January.

Joelinton

Another Brazilian international and another player that is integral in Eddie Howe’s plans. Joelinton’s renaissance from ineffective forward to all-action midfielder has been one of the stories of the rejuvenation in fortunes at St. James' Park. Despite the impending return of Joe Willock from injury, it seems likely Joelinton will remain in situ should he overcome his own fitness concerns.

Anthony Gordon

Arguably Newcastle’s player of the season, Gordon has overcome a difficult start to life on Tyneside and his patience has been rewarded by Howe. His form on the left-hand side of the Magpies attack has led to some suggestions the former Everton man could land a call-up to England’s Euro 2024 Finals squad.

Serhou Guirassy

A target for a whole host of clubs across Europe, Guirassy has been in outstanding form in front of goal so far this season. The Guinea international has plundered his way to 19 goals in just 16 games in all competitions for Bundesliga club Stuttgart and the presence of a reported £16m release clause in his current contract means he could be an affordable addition to the Magpies striking options - and one that won’t do too much damage in their ongoing battle with Financial Fair Play regulations.

Alexander Isak

The Sweden international’s form took a hit during Newcastle’s struggles of the last two months but he has found his touch in front of goal in recent weeks. Isak scored twice in Saturday’s FA Cup win against Sunderland to make it four goals in his last three games and that took his tally to 23 in 49 games since joining United in the early stages of last season.