Newcastle's exciting XI after January window with Kieran Trippier one of five signings

Newcastle may well be in a relegation battle as things stand, with the club having totalled just 11 points in the Premier League at the turn of 2022. But with an increased transfer budget to spend in January, plans may be afoot for their spending to produce a new-look XI to keep them in the league. Express Sport takes a look at a potential XI they could field at the end of the window.

Goalkeeper: Dubravka

Martin Dubravka looks set to be one of the names to survive the Newcastle spending spree after his successful stint between the sticks in the north east.

The Slovakian stopper joined on loan in January 2018 for £1million as a relative unknown.

However after his successful spell, he was signed for a permanent fee of £4m.

And his continued brilliance as first-choice keeper looks set to continue.

Defence: Trippier, Ake, Lascelles, Digne

Trippier has been linked with a move to Newcastle after making it clear he wants to move on from Atletico Madrid.

The Bury-born right back could be partnered by Manchester City fringe player Nathan Are in the heart of defence, with the Dutchman in need of regular game time after failing to break the dominance of John Stones, Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte.

Elsewhere, captain Jamaal Lascelles would continue to marshall the defence in his duty as skipper.

And his defensive excellence would be complimented by the attacking output of Lucas Digne, who could join after being ousted from Everton by Rafa Benitez.

Midfield: Shelvey, Veretout, Willock

The signing of Joe Willock in January was considered a coup and, at the time, their marquee signing of the summer.

The midfielder impressed last season with nine goals in just 16 Premier League appearances for the Magpies.

He would likely continue to excel alongside Jonjo Shelvey, who has been a class act in recent weeks.

And with the potential arrival of Roma’s Jordan Veretout – who had a stint at Aston Villa in 2015-16 – the trio could begin to dominate proceedings and stay in the Premier League.

Attack: Saint-Maximin, Wilson, Dembele

Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson have become fan favourites in their time at St James’ Park.

Wilson has scored 18 goals in just 41 games as Newcastle’s lone striker as he bids to keep them in the league.

And Saint-Maximin’s dribbling excellence gives the Magpies time to advance up the pitch.

He could be partnered on the left-wing by another silky French star in Ousmane Dembele – who has been linked with a free transfer from Barcelona.

source: express.co.uk