Newcastle transfer talk: If Eddie Howe can only sign two players in January, it must be this duo

It remains to be seen exactly what the Newcastle transfer strategy is for January. At face value, it looks like it should be one thing and one thing only: complete transfer market domination. It seems like no other club in Europe is in as dire need as we are to complete signings, given the endless amount of our star players who are injured and suspended.

Although, that is only at face value. In the real world, we know it isn't as easy as this and luckily, the Mike Ashley horror days has prepared us for that reality. PIF are certainly much more contempt to running a football club than Mr Ashley but in all honesty, anything seems like a luxury when compared to his ownership days.

I assume that PIF will invest into Eddie Howe's plans. After all, he has given them enough reason to believe he is the right man for the job and should be rewarded financially. However, it remains to be seen how many players Newcastle actually plan to sign in the January transfer window.

Newcastle transfer talk: If Eddie Howe can only sign two players in January, it must be this duo

Assuming we can only sign two players in January (which admittedly is a number I've picked out of the air and not based on any fact), those two players must be Kalvin Phillips and Arouna Sangante.

I pick the first option because he would be a great replacement for Sandro Tonali, since he boasts Premier League experience and he is able to slot straight into the starting eleven if he's required. He could also be a cheap English option since he's surplus to requirements at the Etihad Stadium.

Secondly, I have chosen Sangante because of his calibre at such a young age. He already captains Ligue 1 side Le Havre and he's only getting better. Signing him would alleviate the Sven Botman injury and also act as a long-term replacement for Fabian Schar, who isn't getting any younger.

If you could only pick a double Newcastle transfer, who would you chose?