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Newcastle United go into the January transfer window knowing they have one last chance to make adjustments to a squad that has struggled to cope with life in the Premier League.

After the 1-0 loss to Arsenal over the weekend, Arsene Wenger said that Newcastle had invested well in the last window with signings such as Gini Wijnaldum, Chancel Mbemba and Aleksandar Mitrovic.

But only Wijnaldum and Mbemba have been classed as real success stories so far this season.

Mitrovic has struggled to find form and Florian Thauvin hasn’t managed to earn a regular run in the team.

All four of Newcastle’s summer buys were selected by chief scout Graham Carr, but have endured nothing but a relegation battle so far.

Newcastle’s former head coach John Carver made his feelings clear in terms of where the club are going from his point of view when he said: “The recruitment has to be looked at.”

Although, the Magpies continue to be linked with imports from Ligue 1 such as Michy Batshuayi of Marseille and Bordeaux winger Henri Saivet.

Here we look at the areas in each positional department Newcastle need to strengthen in.

Goalkeepers

This seemed to be like a big issue in the aftermath of Tim Krul’s knee injury in autumn.

But since then Rob Elliot has proved to be a more than able deputy and Newcastle have back-up with the promising England youth international Fred Woodman and No 2 keeper Karl Darlow.

The ex-Nottingham Forest shot-stopper did make a mistake on his Premier League debut at West Brom, but that is not something United see as a major cause for concern from a young keeper.

And if all three stay fit they are likely to go with this trio until the end of the season.

Defence

Newcastle chiefs have made it clear this area is the last area they are concerned about at the moment.

In short they have too many defenders on the payroll.

Some fans have claimed the club need to sign a centre-back and a left-back, but internally the Magpies are happy with the central partnership of Fabricio Coloccini and Chancel Mbemba.

Daryl Janmaat is also performing well at right-back and, while Massadio Haidara is injured and facing a lengthy stint on the sidelines, Newcastle feel that Paul Dummett and Kevin Mbabu provide enough competition in the full-back areas for now.

The Magpies also have Vurnon Anita and Jack Colback who can operate on either side of defence to offer cover.

With Steven Taylor, Jamaal Lascelles and Jamie Sterry also considered as back-up, Newcastle know they need to improve in other areas around the pitch.

Mike Williamson is likely to complete a move to Wolves later this month.

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Midfield

Newcastle have operated with Moussa Sissoko and Gini Wijnaldum as wide men for much of the season so far.

But both want to play in the centre of the pitch, with Sissoko enjoying a box-to-box midfield role and Wijnaldum making it clear he is most effective as a No 10.

Florian Thauvin has failed to impress out wide with the chances he’s had and Sylvain Marveaux can’t even get a game.

Rolando Aarons has struggled badly with a host of injuries.

Gabriel Obertan is also on the sidelines and likely to leave at the end of the season, meaning Newcastle need a couple of wingers that will give the team a new dimension.

Saivet has been linked along with Tottenham’s fallen England international Andros Townsend, with Steve McClaren keen to get reliable service coming into the box should he decide to move Sissoko and Wijnaldum into more central roles.

Attack

The whole of Tyneside can see that Newcastle are going down unless they sign a reliable striker or two in the January window.

Aleksandar Mitrovic, Papiss Cisse and Ayoze Perez have scored just 10 between them this season and that’s a problem going into the last 18 games.

Neither Mitrovic or Perez are classed as prolific, while Cisse has had injury problems.

A fee of £20million has been bandied about for Batshuayi from Marseille, while bids north of £7million for Charlie Austin will only be considered by QPR.

Loic Remy has also been offered to a host of Premier League clubs by Chelsea, but may prefer to stay in the south of England.

Newcastle’s scouting system under Carr enjoyed rave reviews at one stage, but now more than ever it needs to deliver.