Newcastle should lay the groundwork for three January signings, the priorities are clear

Newcastle United should prioritise three positions in the January transfer window.

It was an incredibly busy summer for the Magpies, who lost manager Eddie Howe after almost five years in charge, along with a number of key players.

Matthias Jaissle has replaced the long-term boss and has led his team to a strong start to the season, beating Hull City 2-1 on Saturday to bounce back from last week's damaging loss to Leeds United.

Newcastle signed eight new players in the summer and it has been impressive how well the likes of Nico Gonzalez and Amar Dedic have settled in.

Yet there remains holes in the squad that are already proving problematic amid an early-season string of injuries for Jaissle to deal with.

It remains to be seen how willing Newcastle will be to take action in January, but there is clearly funds available at St James' Park.

Matthias Jaissle keen to bolster Newcastle squad

Newcastle made several significant signing this summer, but their losses were undoubtedly severe.

Club captain Bruno Guimaraes joined Arsenal, while Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier were among the other key departures.

But while the Magpies replaced well, it is actually other areas of the squad that are now in need of reinforcement.

Anthony Elanga started the season brilliantly but is now injured, with the out-of-form Jacob Murphy his only natural replacement on the right wing.

There is also a severe lack of depth at left-back, where Newcastle managed to keep hold of Lewis Hall. Injuries to Tino Livramento and Dan Burn currently leave him without any back-up.

Both positions, as well as the addition of a younger centre-back, are seen as urgent priorities for Newcastle in January, according to The Athletic.

Newcastle's ideal candidates

Should Newcastle be looking for a right-winger, there are several exciting options.

Matias Soule from Roma could well be a potential option, with the 23-year-old having scored twice already this season.

Club Brugge's Joaquin Seys could be their option at left-back - the 21-year-old was targeted by Manchester United in the summer.

The operation becomes more expensive at centre-back, but the likes of Lille's Nathan Ngoy could be the younger option Newcastle are looking for.