Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha pursuits backed as Newcastle United transfer verdict delivered

Eddie Howe may have warned Newcastle United fans over their club's ability to be 'active' in January but that won't stop debates over which area of the Magpies' squad needs strengthened above all else.

Does Sven Botman's return ease the need for a central defender of Marc Guehi's quality? Is one of the five options to have played on the right this season capable of making the position their own? Has Callum Wilson's injury changed anything?

We put the question to our Chronicle Live team as they tell us their January priority for Newcastle.

READ MORE: Newcastle United's £715m Premier League mission after breathtaking Manchester City announcement

READ MORE: Eddie Howe hints at William Osula change in light of Newcastle United setback

Lee Ryder

Given that the season will be make or break during January and February, the timeframe in which Callum Wilson will be ruled out for, I'd wager that a striker is the most important position to fill as soon as the window opens.

Wilson's absence is not just a nightmare in terms of cover, it means that Alexander Isak, who has had his own troubles on the injury front, is going to be asked to play in every game between now and the spring. If Wilson does return within the eight weeks, all well and good, but what if he doesn't?

Newcastle can get by with defenders and right wingers but a striker is very much the key role for any team wanting Europe.

Aaron Stokes

My view on this matter has not changed since the summer - above all else Newcastle United MUST ensure their next big money signing plays on the right wing. Anthony Gordon's form is being hampered due to the fact he is filling in in that particular role and being moved from favoured flank on the left.

Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy are squad players and Newcastle need a consistent, goalscoring option if they want to ease the burden on Alexander Isak in front of goal. The club previously targeted the likes of Michael Olise and they need to show the same type of ambition should they find the funds to do so.

Sven Botman's imminent return means the burden will be eased at centre-back, while I'm hopeful we begin to see more of William Osula through the middle as Isak's backup.

Ciaran Kelly

It's got to be right wing, for me. This is the one area of the side that has not been strengthened since the takeover and there is a reason why so many players have been swapped in and out on the flank in recent months: no one has nailed the position down.

In truth, this will be a complicated deal to do in any window given how in-demand such players are and the costs involved as we saw when Newcastle made a play for Michael Olise last summer. However, bringing in a natural, quality option on the right who could chip in would give Newcastle a new dimension, ease the burden on Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon and give the group a much-needed shot in the arm.

Andrew Musgrove

I think Newcastle still need to bring in a right winger although the form of Fabian Schar is pushing the need for a centre back close to the top of the shopping list.

I have to be honest though, and I’ve said this for months on The Everything is Black & White Podcast, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Newcastle signed no one in January. It’s a horrible window and couple that with the PSR restrictions, I can’t see a big money signing coming in unless Newcastle sell a big name but then who has the money to do that?

If I had my pick, Matheus Cuhna would be my first choice. He’s versatile which can help United’s current injury problems. It won’t happen but we can dream.

Stuart Jamieson

Newcastle United needed a right winger in the summer and they need one now. Nothing has changed to alter my view on that. In fact this season's performances have only highlighted the inadequacies in that area. Yes, they really need to sign a striker but it doesn't sound like the funds are available to bring in several players.

Round pegs in round holes is the only way any side is successful, and that means having Anthony Gordon on the left and someone in the squad capable of being a serious threat on the right.

James Smailes

In the summer the priority was a central defender. I say priority, but that would suggest there were other options but a defender was the top of that list of options. There was no other option as we now know.

It was Marc Guehi or nothing and the club ended up with nothing. With defensive issues improving and Sven Botman edging closer to his return, the need for a Guehi type figure has been eased. Newcastle may still be letting in more goals than anyone would like to see, but it is possible to help that by improving other areas up the pitch.

Newcastle need better balance to the side. Quite simply, they need a right winger who can bring that balance, allow players to play in preferred positions and at the same time give a different type of creative edge.

The issue is the type of players linked, like Bryan Mbeumo are not affordable in January unless we see a number of significant exits. Do you look further down your wanted list and settle for someone to fit the role who may not be as impactful, or do you keep your powder dry and make a big play in the summer? I'd move on who I could in January to find a workable deal with Brentford for the winger.