NUFC are expected to face a lot of competition for player who 'tops a lot of analytics' in January - journalist

Newcastle United proved once again on Sunday just how badly they need to add strength and depth to their squad.

While it's almost facile to compare the Newcastle squad with that of Chelsea's given their insane transfer activity over the past few years, there's no denying the difference in quality on the two benches on Sunday.

It's also worth noting that Enzo Maresca fielded an entirely different starting XI in midweek in Europe and still won comfortably. They essentially have to first-team squads, and we keep going into games with two goalkeepers on the bench. Neither of whom Eddie Howe deems first-team material.

Newcastle fans have all of their extremities crossed that sporting director Paul Mitchell can pull off some wizardry in January and add some first-team quality in the window.

Newcastle are looking to swoop for Bryan Mbeumo in January

We're not expecting miracles as January is an awkward window in which to do business, especially when you're looking to add top talent, and there's an extra layer of complexity when looking to buy from a Premier League rival which is, hopefully, what Newcastle will be looking to do.

Reports heavily suggest that the Magpies will try and sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford in January, but transfer journalist Graeme Bailey has told Geordie Boot Boys that they won't be alone.

“He’s fascinating in the footballing world because analytically he tops a lot of charts.

“That is why he is on the agenda of a lot of clubs. He ranks really highly in analytics, as well as the usual goals and assists.

“He’s a very good player. Newcastle are fully aware of him and he ticks a lot of boxes for them"

Arsenal and Liverpool also want Bryan Mbeumo

Bailey went on to name a couple of clubs who have Mbeumo on their wish list and it doesn't make for good reading as a Newcastle fan.

“He hasn’t agreed a long-term extension with Brentford. I think they realise that he is ready to move to the next level. There is a lot of interest in him – he could even join a ‘top four’ club.

“He will not be cheap. We have seen how hard Brentford can push a deal. They won’t be taking less than £50million for Mbeumo. I think it would be very difficult to do in January.

“Mbeumo is on Newcastle’s radar, but he would be a hard get. He’s also on Liverpool and Arsenal’s radar. He does a lot very well.”

We expected that £50 million would be the asking price for Mbeumo so that wasn't a shock, but now knowing that we could have to fight off Arsenal and Liverpool really does dent our confidence.