The four players Newcastle United will try to sign in January - and four they definitely won't

The January transfer window can't come quick enough for Newcastle United as they look to reinvigorate their hopes of enjoying a successful season.

After a troubling December that brought exits from the Carabao Cup and Champions League, as well as damaging Premier League defeats against the likes of Nottingham Forest, Luton Town, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton, the Magpies are in desperate need of reinforcements.

It is important to stress Eddie Howe has already stated the Magpies are fully aware of how restrictive their ongoing battle with Financial Fair Play regulations will be during the January transfer window and that means, to use a phrase used by club officials, they will have to be creative with their business.

Speaking on Friday, he said: "No, we have not had those assurances. I think it is a difficult month as we always say when January comes around. I apologise if I sound like I am saying the same things. But it is a very difficult month to bring in quality players. Financial Fair Play continues to play a part in our decision making so let's wait and see."

Loan deals, cut-price offers for players approaching the end of their contracts and free agents may well be the priority and there have been suggestions the incomings will be limited to two or three players as Howe's lengthy injury list shows some signs of easing during the first month of the new year.

But who could Newcastle move for in the January transfer window and which players can we strike off a list of reported targets?

Could: Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City)

The England international is a long-term target of the Magpies and their initial interest came to light during his time at Leeds United. Phillips has always had admirers within the St James Park hierarchy and it is believed there was a tentative approach made to the Whites prior to the midfielder's £42m move to Manchester City. Phillips has endured a frustrating 18-month spell with the treble winners and a January loan deal has been mooted.

Will not: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur)

The experienced goalkeeper has been widely reported as one of the options being considered by the Magpies as they face up to life without Nick Pope for the foreseeable future. Lloris has not appeared for Spurs this season and is widely expected to leave the club over the coming weeks. Friday brought reports the France international is in talks with MLS club LAFC and it seems that will be his next destination, rather than a short-term switch to the North East.

Could: David de Gea (Free Agent)

De Gea is another goalkeeper said to be under consideration as a short-term replacement for Pope. The former Manchester United man is without a club after he left Old Trafford during and is believed to have received interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro-League and La Liga. However, as it stands, he is still awaiting his next club and Newcastle could be tempted to offer him a chance to return to the Premier League. It would mean De Gea taking a significant cut on the reported £370,000 weekly wage he earned during his final years at Old Trafford.

Will not: Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea - on loan at Roma)

This is one that can immediately be dismissed as fantasy talk and probably has its roots in agents angling for a permanent move to Roma or immediate clarification over the striker's future at Chelsea. Lukaku's wage demands would make this out of reach for the Magpies and it seems the sort of signing that would be completely out-of-sync with how they have conducted business since the Saudi-led takeover just over two years ago.

Could: Hugo Ekitike (Paris Saint-Germain)

Another long-term target of the Magpies and another player that is believed to be available on a loan deal during the January transfer window. That would fit with United's ongoing battle with Financial Fair Play regulations and would allow them to take a look at the France Under-21 international before making any permanent move next summer. The one caveat with this deal is it would take a certain degree of pride swallowing from Newcastle after Ekitike snubbed a move to Tyneside on two separate occasions over the last two years.

Will not: Raphinha (Barcelona)

Newcastle have held an interest in Raphinha in the past after monitoring the winger during his time at Leeds United and there was some talk of a surprise move for the Brazil star during the summer. However, once again, a significant transfer fee and sizable wage demands means this one can probably be ignored for the time being.

Could: Serhou Guirassy (Stuttgart)

Now this feels a more realistic attacking option for several reasons. Guirassy has enjoyed a remarkable first half to the Bundesliga season by plundering his way to 19 goals in 16 appearances in all competitions for Stuttgart and that has brought him to the attention of a number of clubs. With a reported release clause of around £15m in his current deal and affordable wage demands, the Magpies could well consider a move for the Guinea international.

Will not: Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal)

There had been talk of a loan move for Neves earlier this season and that has reportedly brought some criticism from Premier League rivals as the Magpies were accused of taking advantage of their Saudi links. However, the former Wolves man seems happy with life in the Pro League and, despite having admirers at Newcastle, a move would be extremely surprising if it was to happen.