Aubameyang or Martial? 10 potential signings for Saudi-backed Newcastle United

January transfer window dealings will be vital for the Premier League strugglers

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  Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's relationship with Arsenal appears to be at breaking point after he was stripped of the captaincy for disciplinary reasons. His goal output is waning and with Arsenal looking more to youth his place in the side is no longer assured. The 32-year-old could however have a major short-term impact at another club. Reuters

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  Manchester United's Jesse Lingard thought a spectacular loan spell at West Ham in January would kick-start his Old Trafford career again, but he's been left frustrated having started just two matches this season. He has the talent to spark Newcastle into life. Contract expires in June 2022. EPA

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  Egyptian Mohamed Elneny has been a bit-part player during six seasons at Arsenal, making only 74 Premier League appearances. He would add some steel to a flimsy Newcastle midfield. Getty Images

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  Where did it all go wrong for Tottenham Hotspur's Dele Alli? Once among the most exciting young players in the world, his impact has fallen off a cliff in recent seasons. He now finds himself on the fringes under Antonio Conte and needs a move to reignite his career. Reuters

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  There were high hopes for Ross Barkley during his younger days, but the potential has failed to truly come through. He's had a few recent run outs for Chelsea but is far from first choice. Getty Images

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  Anthony Martial's time at Manchester United is at a crossroads. He finds himself behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and when fit Edinson Cavani in the pecking order. His agent said last week the Frenchman was seeking a move away and he would add much-needed firepower to Newcastle, although his suitability to a relegation battle would come into question. Has scored one goal this season. Reuters

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  Liverpool's Nathaniel Phillips stood in impressively last season while the likes of Virgil Van Dijk were out injured. Opportunities however have been harder to come by this time around and he's yet to appear in the Premier League. He has said he wants to play more and is open to a move in January. EPA

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  Manchester United's Phil Jones - remember him? The defender once lauded as potentially the club's best player since Duncan Edwards by Sir Alex Ferguson hasn't played for United's first team since January 2020 due to injuries. But he's back in the squad under Ralf Rangnick and if he can stay fit and find form he could be a useful addition.

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  It just hasn't happened for Philippe Coutinho since his 2018 move from Liverpool to Barcelona. He has been featuring this season in an underperforming side but with the club struggling financially they may look to offload his sizeable wages. He wouldn't command anywhere near the £105 million-plus fee from 2018. AFP

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  Like Coutinho, a return to the Premier League could be on the cards for Aaron Ramsey. He's made only a handful of appearances this season for Juventus and has largely failed to justify his sky-high wages reportedly in the region of £400,000 a week. A proven Premier League performer during 11 seasons with Arsenal. AFP

Major signings during the January transfer window are often seen as a sign of desperation.

But given Newcastle United's struggles this season, it is wholesomely necessary - especially after the financial boost from their Saudi Arabia takeover.

They currently sit 19th in the Premier League table, with just one victory from 17 matches. Their 37 goals conceded is the most in the division, and they are only kept off the foot of the table by Norwich City's inferior goal difference.

It's a tall order for new manager Eddie Howe to keep them up, but he does at least have the January window to shake up his underperforming squad.

While they should have little trouble offering prospective players attractive wages, they may have more difficulty persuading those of a higher calibre to join what is at present a sinking ship.

Five months of regular Premier League football may be enticing in the short-term, but what if Newcastle are relegated?

Negotiations will certainly be tough should they target the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - out of favour at Arsenal - or a number of Manchester United's squad who aren't seeing much game time such as Anthony Martial.

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Chelsea stars in training amid 'lottery' of Covid crisis

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  Chelsea's N'Golo Kante during a training session in Cobham ahead of his side's trip to Wolves. All pictures Getty Images

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  Kai Havertz in action at training.

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  Saul Níguez and Andreas Christensen in action.

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  Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel discusses the Covid issues after training.

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  Ross Barkley takes part in Chelsea training.

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  Mateo Kovai in action at Chelsea Training Ground.

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  N'Golo Kante of Chelsea on the ball.

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  Trevoh Chalobah prepares for Chelsea's trip to Wolves.