Top five players Newcastle United are eyeing in January transfer window

The Magpies are in serious need of reinforcements as their season lies in tatters.

The January transfer window offers many clubs the chance to strengthen their cause ahead of the second half of the season. It is an important juncture in the season, as teams look to address any chinks in their armour. One club among many others who would look to the winter transfer window in earnest would be Newcastle United.

The Magpies started a new era under new owners in October. But, the start has been disastrous, as Newcastle currently sit 19th in the Premier League table.

Despite appointing Eddie Howe in November, the Magpies have struggled for form and results. They have scored only 19 and have conceded 42, the highest in the division. The team are in dire need of reinvigoration and would look to the January transfer window for newer options.

[KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

The club are on the lookout for numerous players, owing to their financial capability. Some big names have been linked in the past and continue to make the rounds on Tyneside. Nevertheless, let us take a look at five players who Newcastle United are eyeing in the upcoming transfer window:

5. Boubacar Kamara (Olympique Marseille)

Boubacar Kamara has emerged as a great potential signing for Newcastle United. The Frenchman has dazzled at Marseille this season. Kamara plies his trade as a defensive midfielder and could help solve Newcastle's midfield woes a great deal.

The 22-year old's stats read 74 pass attempts per game, 90% pass completion rate and four tackles and interceptions per game. This indicates Kamara's growing maturity on and off the ball.

Kamara also wins more than 70% of his attempted tackles. This stat places him way higher than Rodri, Fabinho and Wilfred Ndidi in the Premier League. His pass completion rate of 90% places him only behind Rodri among peer defensive midfielders. The only caveat would be that Kamara exerts only 17 pressures per game. This could hurt Newcastle as they like to exert pressure in the midfield areas.

Nevertheless, Kamara would be an astute signing for the Magpies. But, they reportedly face heavy competition from Manchester United and Chelsea for his signature.

4. Sven Botman (Lille)

The defence has been Newcastle's Achilles' heel this season. Therefore, Newcastle United have prioritized signing Lille centre-back Sven Botman. The Dutchman has reportedly rejected the first few advances from the club.

Botman would walk right into Eddie Howe's eleven. Although he makes an average 1.5 tackles per game, the 21-year old has won 77% of his tackles this season. His tackle success rate is higher than Manchester City duo Aymeric Laporte and John Stones, Arsenal's Gabriel and Jules Kounde of Sevilla. It would also be the highest in the current Newcastle squad.

Botman attempts 66 passes per game and completes 88% of them. Therefore, his defensive ability and quality on the ball makes him an ideal leader in defence for Newcastle.

3. Ross Barkley (Chelsea)

Newcastle have also set their sights on Ross Barkley in the New Year. The Liverpool-born midfielder has struggled for form and fitness since moving to Chelsea in 2017. In five seasons, Barkley has made only 97 appearances for the Blues. Therefore, the midfielder is looking to resurrect his career after a disappointing spell with the Blues.

The 28-year old would re-invigorate the Newcastle midfield. Barkley is currently creating 4.68 shot-creating actions and 1.75 goal-scoring actions per game. Both stats will see him top the charts at Newcastle United. Therefore, Barkley would be a savvy upgrade in midfield for Eddie Howe's men.

He could play with more freedom at Newcastle. Barkley would form a good midfield partnership with Joe Willock, Jonjo Shelvey and Sean Longstaff. It could also unleash the best in him, similar to the 2015-16 season when he scored 12 goals in all competitions for Everton, the best return in his career so far.

Newcastle though will reportedly compete against Barkley's former club Everton and Burnley for his signature.

2. Aaron Ramsey (Juventus)

Newcastle have showed intent in strengthening by targeting Aaron Ramsey. The Welsh midfielder has been deemed surplus to requirements at his current club Juventus.

The midfielder has been usurped to a regular starting spot by Weston Mckennie, Rodrigo Bentancur and Manuel Locatelli among others. His wages are also a big issue. Ramsey currently earns £400,000 a week, but hasn't proven worthy of the bumper salary.

Therefore, a change of scene could help the former Arsenal man. Ramsey attempts 59 passes per game and completes 88% of them. He also generates close to four shot-creating actions per game. Ramsey averages 1.5 tackles per game and could also add up in defence when needed. He also completes 83.3% of his long passes, which would rank him first in Eddie Howe's squad.

Therefore, Ramsey would be a great addition to Newcastle's midfield. He will bring experience and leadership to the Magpies. The only challenge for Newcastle would be his lofty wages.

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News |ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

1. Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid)

Newcastle are targeting Kieran Trippier to add to their right-back slot. Newcastle already have a good right-back in Javi Manquillo. But, Tripper offers a massive upgrade on the Spaniard.

This season, Tripper averages 2.25 tackles and 2.32 aerial duel wins per game. He also completes 7.70 progressive passes which rank him in the top 99 percentile in La Liga. He also completes 78% of his passes and would offer great work-rate on the flanks for Newcastle.

Newcastle United have fantastic dribblers and runners in Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron and Willock. Therefore, Trippier's experience on the right, his experience, quality and work-rate would work wonders for Newcastle. As always though, Newcastle face stiff competition from Manchester United for the former Tottenham man.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.