Newcastle United one of seven Premier League clubs offered 11-times capped England international this month
There's a strong belief that to be successful this season, Newcastle United can't let January pass without investing in some new talent, but there are big questions over whether the club will actually do anything.
Newcastle are notoriously slow to move in the market, and that has proved to be the case again as we are now past the midway part of the month with no sign of any incomings despite a clear need for fresh faces.
It's not just the defensive crisis that has fans on edge, but there's been a lack of dynamism across the park this season.
While performances have steadily picked up of late, there's still a feeling that we need more, with talk of a midfield addition being needed as well as more strength at the back.
Newcastle have been approached regarding a move for Ruben Loftus-Cheek
According to TEAMtalk, Newcastle are one of seven Premier League clubs, as well as several in Italy and Spain, who have been alerted to the availability of former Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Loftus-Cheek is currently at AC Milan but is struggling to nail down a regular place, and it's thought he'd be open to a return to the Premier League.
The 29-year-old has 11 caps for England and has been linked to Newcastle in the past. Aston Villa may be at the front of the queue, however, after missing out on Conor Gallagher.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is probably below the standard Newcastle are looking at
This is another rumour that we're not sure we feel has just had our name tagged on it to farm clicks. If Newcastle are in the market for a midfielder this month, which we don't believe they are, then they won't be going for one who can't hold down a place at his current club and is turning 30 in a week's time.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek isn't a bad player by any means, but in all honesty, we don't think he is at the level we want, or indeed, Aston Villa. Other clubs mentioned by TEAMtalk were Fulham, Sunderland, Brentford, Everton and Manchester United. They seem more at his level now.
We expect we'll be waiting until the summer before making tweaks to our midfield options, as it won't be a low-cost task.
