Newcastle United fans are used to being not-so-subtly ignored every time the transfer window rolls around. Calls for investment often fall on deaf ears, and promised financial backing never seems to arrive in its entirety.
So let's hope this season is a little different for the Magpies as the January window creeps closer.
While Newcastle currently sit on 25 points after 20 games and look set to avoid a nail-biting relegation scrap, there is plenty of room for improvement. Steve Bruce's side lack creativity going forward and struggle for goals, while also having been hamstrung by injuries across the team.
Their summer signings have taken to the Premier League with varying degrees of success, from the exciting Allan Saint-Maximin to the underwhelming record-signing Joelinton. Hopefully, Newcastle will learn from their mistakes should they invest in January...
Mason Holgate (Centre-Back)
The Everton defender is enjoying his best run on Merseyside, having started 11 league games this campaign. That having been said, his future remains uncertain with Newcastle reportedly interested in capturing his signature.
We are yet to see the full extent of Carlo Ancelotti's plans at Goodison Park and the Magpies may be ready to prey upon the opportunity and lure Holgate to Tyneside.
While it seems potentially unlikely, the 23-year-old has the attributes necessary to flourish in a deep-lying five at the back at St James' Park.
Ibrahima Sissoko (Defensive-Midfielder)
Having been linked with a move to Newcastle back in late October, Ibrahima Sissoko would certainly be a welcome addition to Newcastle's squad.
The 22-year-old has embraced life in Ligue 1 after joining Strasbourg back in 2018, making 16 appearances this season and helping the French side to 11th in the league.
The defensive-midfielder could provide a much-needed backbone to Newcastle's midfield, with a number of midfielders being unable to nail down a place in the side. His ferocity and work rate would help block the backline, providing them with some necessary support.
Jarrod Bowen (Right-Midfielder)
One of the Championship's most prized assets, Jarrod Bowen has lit up the English second tier this term. The English 23-year-old has scored 15 goals and bagged five assists in 24 league games for Hull - a team that are only 13th at present.
In the absence of Saint-Maximin, Newcastle are crying out for threat from wide positions. While the Magpies' 5-3-2 formation doesn't enable a great deal of space for a winger, Bowen's versatility across the front line could prove to be of great benefit to the Toon.
There has been a great deal of speculation linking Bowen with a move to the big time, with only some of it indicating a potential transfer to St. James' Park. However, if Newcastle could tempt the midfielder - who is valued at over £20m - then he could ease the burden on the Magpies' front line.
Aleksandar Mitrovic (Striker)
Okay, here me out on this one.
The former Newcastle reject has just signed a new contract with Fulham, but what do contracts really mean in football anymore?
Mitrovic has scored 18 goals in the Championship this season, as well as scoring 11 in the Premier League last campaign and netting ten times for Serbia in Euro 2020 qualification. Basically, he's a goal machine.
I rest my case.
Olivier Giroud (Striker)
Scores goals, check. Tall and strong, check. French, check.
Giroud has all the hallmarks of a Newcastle signing, albeit an ambitious one. The 33-year-old is winding down his playing days and has been seemingly frozen out by Frank Lampard, featuring in only five league games all season.
But what Giroud offers is experience. It's clear to see Newcastle need a tried and tested forward and the World Cup-winner fits the Magpies with his robust physicality and killer instinct in front of goal.
While Chelsea may be reluctant to sell, and Giroud reluctant to join Newcastle, it would be a fantastic signing for Bruce's side. Perhaps one of the most underrated forwards of our generation, the attacker has plenty more left in the tank.
Alfredo Morelos (Striker)
Steven Gerrard and Rangers' talisman won't come cheap, but the Colombian has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time. Plus, as you may have guessed already, Newcastle need a striker.
Morelos has scored 20 goals in all competitions this season and is ultimately the only reason that Rangers have a chance of catching Celtic in the Scottish Premiership title race.
With a tireless work rate and a fierce attitude, Morelos could become a firm fan favourite at St. James' Park - with red cards being the only mark against his name.
Source : 90min