Top five January transfer needs for Newcastle United

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MADRID, SPAIN – DECEMBER 02: Fernando Torres of Atletico de Madrid waves the audience as he walks to the bench prior to start the La Liga match between Club Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad de Futbol at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on December 2, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images) /

2) Forward

If there is one position that should be focused on when it comes to the January transfer window for Newcastle United, it absolutely has to be at the top of the line-up. The Magpies have netted only 14 goals through 15 matches, and that is a statistic that must change.

Summer-signing Joselu has arguably been the most disappointing of any player in 2017-18, scoring only twice this season (and the one versus Liverpool was lucky to say the least).

Dwight Gayle has shown promise lately after a slow start, while Aleksandar Mitrovic has been a forgotten man.

A new striker is desperately needed, and it will be fascinating to see which direction the Magpies decide to take in the coming weeks.

Fernando Torres is an exciting short-term signing, while others like Cenk Tosun and Danny Ings provide a possible boost as well.

What Benitez will want to find is a forward who can create his own opportunities in the final third, and hold up play for team-mates joining in the attack. That is exactly what was expected of Joselu, but he has been unable to contribute in that desired manner.

The simplest objective in the game is to score goals, and that is why Newcastle United have to find a new striker this winter.