Newcastle United have struggled to impose themselves in the Premier League this season after keeping their top-flight status under Rafa Benitez last season.
Lack of attacking potency has been their main issue, with the club scoring only nine goals so far.
The creative department, in particular, has lacked substance so far and therefore, Benitez will hope to sign more players in January.
Here are three attackers the Magpies should target in the upcoming transfer window.
#3 Yacine Brahimi
Yacine Brahimi has emerged as a transfer candidate for Newcastle in recent weeks with the Algerian expected to leave Porto in January.
He could be an ideal signing, largely thanks to his pace and tenacity in the final third. Although he is generally seen as a winger, his tendency to drift into a central position could help the Magpies on the break, especially considering they don’t have a creative player down the middle.
Aside from that, Brahimi is also a versatile attacker, who can play anywhere across the final third.
#2 Divock Origi
Although Origi is not exactly an attacking midfielder, something Newcastle sorely need right now, the Belgian could be well suited to the Magpies for a number of reasons.
Origi is ideal for the role of a secondary striker in Benitez’s 4-4-1-1 formation, as his pace and tenacity coupled with his physical prowess will provide more spark to the Newcastle attack.
Additionally, Origi is also blessed with immense technical prowess, which allows him to link-up well with his teammates in the final third.
The former Wolfsburg forward has struggled with lack of playing time this campaign, with his only appearance coming in the Champions League defeat against Red Star earlier this month.
Therefore, head coach Jurgen Klopp may be willing to let go of the striker in January, paving the way for Newcastle to lodge a bid for the Belgian, who is more than capable of making a major impact at St. James’ Park.
#1 Shinji Kagawa
By far the most ambitious target on this list, Borussia Dortmund midfielder Shinji Kagawa may make a return to Premier League in January after being deemed surplus to the requirements by Dortmund manager Lucien Favre.
According to Bild (via FT), the Japanese international is one of many players, who will be allowed to leave the club in January as Dortmund look to shrink the size of their roster.
Kagawa is an experienced playmaker who loves to orchestrate the play in the final third and is very proficient when it comes to carrying the ball, even in tight spaces.
The Japanese can also operate as a transitional midfielder, where his composure on the ball allows him to work his way around half-spaces.
Therefore, he could be a perfect signing for Newcastle though it remains to be seen whether or not Kagawa will be willing to join Benitez’s side if they do make a move for him.
