MANCHESTER, United Kingdom, Jan 4, 2022 (BSS/AFP) - Three months on since
a controversial takeover by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund was given the
green light by the Premier League, Newcastle have the chance to splash their
new-found wealth in the January transfer window.

   The Magpies are badly in need of reinforcements just to remain in the
English top-flight after winning just one of their 19 games this season.

   Newcastle's last two matches have even been postponed because they were
unable to field a team with enough senior players due to coronavirus
infections and a growing injury list that could dictate who arrives at St.
James' Park in the next 27 days.

   Defenders are expected to be top of the shopping list after Newcastle
shipped a Premier League record 80 goals in 2021, 42 of which have come this
season.

   England international right-back Kieran Trippier is reportedly close to a
o25 million ($34 million) move from Atletico Madrid with Lille centre-back
Sven Botman also a target.

   "Trippier is an extraordinary footballer who has given us a lot and we
will try to keep him," said Atletico manager Diego Simeone after Sunday's 2-0
win over Rayo Vallecano.

   "But nowadays, when a player wants to leave, you can't force them to
stay."

   Injuries to Newcastle's two most potent attacking weapons Callum Wilson
and Allan Saint-Maximin have also seen some star strikers linked with a move
to Tyneside, including Arsenal's out of favour Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

   - Bigger squads -

   Despite record numbers of coronavirus cases as Britain battles the Omicron
variant, Premier League clubs have so far been allowed to maintain full
crowds.

   That has avoided a repeat of the economic losses from matchday revenue of
the past two seasons and the English top-flight's record breaking $2.7
billion US television rights with NBC to kick in next season will only
increase its financial advantage over other major leagues.

   However, there is not expected to be much transfer activity among those
towards the top of the table with Manchester City already taking control of
the title race thanks to a 10-point lead over Chelsea. City have even
offloaded Ferran Torres to Barcelona for a reported 55 million euros ($62
million).

   But manager Pep Guardiola confirmed the Spanish international's departure
will not mean City will be addressing their lack of a natural striker.

   Chelsea have been rumoured with a move for Everton's Lucas Digne to cover
for left-back Ben Chilwell, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season
with a knee injury.

   Liverpool look set to rely on what they have in reserve to cope without
Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane while they are at the Africa Cup of Nations.

   The prospect of Champions League riches next season could lure Arsenal,
Tottenham or West Ham into strengthening as they battle for a top-four
finish.

   Manchester United trail all three sides but there are more likely to be
departures than arrivals at Old Trafford with interim boss Ralf Rangnick
admitting his squad is "too big".

   French international Anthony Martial is reportedly close to a loan move to
Sevilla after expressing his desire to leave, while Dean Henderson, Jesse
Lingard, Juan Mata and Donny van de Beek could also move on in search of more
first-team action.

   However, United are another of the number of Premier League sides to have
had games called off in December due to Covid outbreaks and Rangnick warned
clubs will have to factor in the risk more such cases could have on selection
before letting players go.

   "I think we could do with a bigger squad than maybe in times without
Covid," said the German.