The winter transfer window is always a difficult one for clubs, both buying and selling. Newcastle United are no different, and the January 2025 version could create as many problems as solutions.

Eddie Howe's side are in the midst of a breathtaking run of form as they challenge at the top of the Premier League table for a potential European spot, and chase Carabao Cup glory. Seven wins on the bounce have included away wins at Old Trafford, Tottenham and the Emirates inside a week.

Strengthen from a position of strength is the old adage, and Howe would no doubt love to add to his ranks this month in a bid to push on in the second half of the season. However, the Magpies boss has openly admitted that keeping a settled squad and ensuring there aren't too many departures is just as important as far as he is concerned.

The thorny situation of Martin Dubravka's future looks now to have been resolved, after Newcastle weighed up whether to let the goalkeeper leave for the Saudi Pro League, while Miguel Almiron could be on his way too. Amidst all of this, and PSR concerns, United could really do with another right winger, centre forward to cover for Aleksander Isak given Callum Wilson's issues, and a right-sided centre half. Plus potentially a new goalkeeper.

It means that there is likely to be a few twists and turns between now and the window closing on February 3. Howe and director of football Paul Mitchell need to be aligned over the club's priorities. But what should be the focus? Our writers give their verdict on the priority for Newcastle between now and deadline day.

Lee Ryder

Newcastle United have had what I'd call two barren transfer windows in terms of improving their starting XI. They find themselves in knots with PSR and can't make much movement in terms of major investment.

But if they can improve certain areas of the starting line-up, this is a major chance for them. Wheeling and dealing will key in this window and while they are well stocked in most positions, the question marks lie above their right wing options and a back-up centre-forward.

Howe has had Callum Wilson injured for most of the campaign and does not feel the time is right to push Will Osula into the picture on a regular basis. Therefore, a new striker would not go amiss while Miguel Almiron's chance to land a big money move elsewhere should open a door out wide.

Thankfully at the moment Jacob Murphy is in the form of his life but it's a long road ahead. It would be a crying shame if Newcastle fell short of their targets in 2025 because of injuries like last year.

Ciaran Kelly

Keep the group together. As obvious as it sounds. Spirit and togetherness took Newcastle United a long way a couple of seasons ago and those qualities have been at the heart of this winning run. Just look at how Martin Dubravka has stepped up or how Kieran Trippier has coached and encouraged his team-mates from the sidelines.

That does not mean Newcastle should not be reactive when it comes to potential incomings. This window is as much about what Newcastle can do as it is what the Magpies want to do but if a younger player becomes available whose value could soar by the time the summer window rolls around, there is a strong business argument to do it this month.

In an ideal world, I'd like to see Newcastle bring in another quality forward but the priority for me is that the black-and-whites do not end up in the situation they were in back in June when they had to scramble to raise funds. The summer may well be the best time to do such business.

Aaron Stokes

When we're talking Newcastle United transfer priorities, it would be criminal to go three transfer windows on the spin without strengthening Eddie Howe's starting XI. So at the risk of stating the obvious, they need at least one big, exciting arrival in the coming weeks.

I still believe a right-sided attacker is needed above all else but PSR concerns will limit the type of player Eddie Howe can sign in that position amid talk of Bryan Mbeumo and others of that ilk arriving. Callum Wilson's injury issues make a backup striker an attractive option too, while another defensive asset wouldn't go amiss despite the incredible form of Howe's central options.

The Magpies need to become better sellers. We all know that. But offloading some of their fringe players can arguably wait until the summer given many won't garner much of a fee. For the here and now it feels like even just one first-team addition could help propel the north east outfit back towards the Champions League.

Stuart Jamieson

Newcastle need to harness whatever magic they had three years ago to unearth a relatively unknown gem from Europe to beat PSR restrictions. We all know clubs will add a few extra millions to any pricetag when United come calling, but they need to trust their scouting network to identify players that several other Premier League clubs aren't chasing. They appear to be all over the German market right now - and if they are to move then I would still target a right-sided forward.

Jacob Murphy has been performing superbly on the right side of United's attack, but I would still like to see more competition in that area, particularly if Miguel Almiron leaves. Playing people out of position is never an ideal solution, and we've seen the benefit of Anthony Gordon sticking to the left flank in recent weeks. If Murphy picks up an injury or his form drops, Newcastle will need someone to step in, and with Premier League targets such as Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo seemingly too pricey, and off-the-radar young signing would be ideal - or push the boat out for Tyler Dibling.

Andrew Musgrove

Newcastle United are only two or three signings away - of real quality - from becoming a top four established Premier League side - but thanks to PSR, adding those final few players seems an unrealistic prospect.

What should the focus been this month? It has to be a forward - if it were an ideal world, one coming in to rival Jacob Murphy on the right, and another coming into add competition for Alexander Isak. As it is, I'm not sure either will happen. I would go for Matheus Cunha or Jarrod Bowen but I'm well aware they are unrealistic options.

I can see Newcastle going this window without adding a new face to their ranks - and it won't be because the club don't want to do it but simply because they can't thanks to PSR. If they can move a few names out - that may help find the funds to allow them to sign that player who could push them over the line to Champions League qualification but in all honesty, unless it's a exit of someone like Joe Willock or Harvey Barnes, there won't be much money coming in from sales.

Ross Gregory

If there is any wiggle room at all with the PSR restrictions - and it seems like there may be with the accounts set to paint a lot rosier picture - then this is the time for Newcastle to make a statement of intent. Chances like this don't come around very often. Fifth in the Premier League and on the verge of a cup final, just think what one exciting signing could do for the squad.

I think everyone recognises that there will need to be a couple of departures for that to happen. So for me, the priority is two-fold: ship out some high-earning fringe players and then invest in a quality right-sided forward who doesn't break the bank.

Paul Mitchell & Co should be actively seeking out exit routes for Almiron and Matt Targett. They are down the pecking order and their departures would free up room for another wage to be added to the salary sheet. Targett may have to be a loan exit for now but anyone offering a fee approaching £10m for Almiron should have their hands snapped off.

Then it is about reinvesting wisely. An incoming who will improve the squad won't come cheap which probably rules out the likes of Raphinha, Mbeumo and Semenyo who are all top players likely to cost north of £50m but Newcastle scouting network is better than most and another signing like Yakubuh Minteh isn't beyond them.