By Alan Hutton

16th Nov, 2021 | 9:00pm

Newcastle tipped 'to be talking £100m' as Howe 'in there now' for first January signing - pundit

Alan Hutton has tipped Newcastle United to spend up to £100million in January as Eddie Howe sets his sights on three new signings.

The former Scotland international, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the new Magpies boss needs to prioritise bolstering his defence in the winter window.

A Newcastle source has told Football Insider (11th November) Howe wants to sign two centre-backs and a proven central midfielder during his first transfer window on Tyneside.

Speaking to NUFC TV (November 11th), new club chief Amanda Staveley confirmed the club are readying themselves to do deals in January.

Howe is set to be given big money to strengthen the spine of the side as the club look to avoid relegation this season.

Hutton claimed the Magpies could spend £90-100million on new recruits.

“It’s such a big window, it’s all about staying up,” Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.

“You have to get the right sort of players through the door. It’s about identifying where you’re at your weakest. I think defensively, that’s where they’ve struggled. That’s where I’d be targeting.

“The thing that you need to be wary of is there’s going to be a premium, I think, when Newcastle are coming in for players.

“It’s a case of: ‘Okay, they’ve got new owners with a lot of money. The price is going up £10million’. That’s something they’re going to have to deal with as a club.

“Howe will be in there now, identifying exactly what he needs. I think we’re talking £80million, £90million, £100million. We’re talking up there to really get away and out of that relegation zone.

“You need to pick the right players. That’s the biggest thing.”

Newcastle’s only senior summer signing was Joe Willock from Arsenal.

In other news, Newcastle United have agreed terms with proven Premier League operator ahead of January.