We're into the championship rounds of the winter transfer window and Newcastle United are on the back foot, defending their current crop from potential suitors, with no plans to make offensive moves at the business end of the month. This, despite losing Miguel Almiron to Atlanta United and now suddenly looking glaringly light at the top end of the pitch.

"Yes, it's probably not ideal for us in this moment to be light in that position but it is what it is and I've always said I've got no problems dealing with that," Newcastle boss Eddie Howe told reporters this morning.

"I'm trying to make the best of the situation, so we'll look at solutions and players in different positions if we need to. That's my job to try and find a solution if that happens."

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As it stands, Newcastle have just FOUR fit, senior attackers to fill three slots in Howe's starting XI. You wouldn't bet against it being Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy from the outset against Fulham this weekend, with William Osula waiting patiently on the bench.

The last named of that quartet has only been handed just 41 minutes of Premier League football across eight appearances for Newcastle this term. Howe rates Osula highly but bought him in the summer as a star very much for the future.

The 21-year-old has since been thrust into the position of being Isak's immediate backup, which was never the plan, due to injuries to Callum Wilson this season.

The injury-hit forward is close to returning - and could be back in the matchday squad for the midweek clash with Arsenal - but there are never guarantees over his fitness. Harvey Barnes has also suffered with injuries since arriving at St James' Park and is still weeks away from returning from the sidelines.

Apart from those six out-and-out attacking options, Howe would then have to start looking at wildcards to fill one of his three attacking positions. The first of which is midfield enforcer Joelinton.

The Brazilian excels in whichever role Howe plays him in, as seen his season when impressing on both the left and right flanks, at right wing-back in the second-half against Chelsea and in his usual position as part of the midfield three.

Using Joelinton in Almiron's usual position would free up a slot in the middle of the park for the likes of Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff or Lewis Miley. However, Howe is firmly aware of the former Hoffenheim man's best position being in midfield.

Dropping into the youth setup, the only winger looking capable of rare matchday call-ups is 17-year-old Trevan Sanusi. The flashy teenager was the standout youngster in pre-season, shining in both Sela Cup clashes at St James' Park in particular.

Sanusi was a surprise inclusion on the bench against Bromley earlier this month and emerged in the second-half for the closing stages of the FA Cup tie. However, the youngster doesn't look ready for regular minutes at the highest level.

As Howe mentions, it is a far from ideal situation for he and his coaching staff but one that has been forced upon them due to profit and sustainability rules [PSR]. It is a risk the north east outfit look set to, reluctantly, take as they cross their fingers for some injury