Howe asks Saudi consortium to sign proven midfielder and two new centre-backs - Report

Eddie Howe has already made the new owners aware of his January transfer 'priorities', according to new reports.

Football Insider claim that our new head coach wants to bring in two new centre-backs and a central midfielder who is 'proven at the highest level.'

The report states that Howe will be backed with 'major funds' this winter. No transfer budget is mentioned in the piece, however The Telegraph have previously reported that around £50m could be made available.

The 43-year-old is believed to have discussed areas of the squad he feels need to be improved during talks with Amanda Staveley last week, stressing that the spine of the side must be improved to ensure safety.

With us currently having the second worst defence in the league, conceding 24 goals in our opening 11 games, the arrival of a few new centre-backs could be just what we need.

We have a few capable options who looked the part in an organised side under Rafa Benitez, however the lack of pace, athleticism or ball-playing ability from the back has been clear to see all season, with Ciaran Clark struggling badly and Jamaal Lascelles a shadow of his former self.

As for our midfield options, there are plenty of them but a lack of star quality capable of taking games by the scruff of the neck.

With the January window edging closer, we'll have to hope a new director of football can be appointed as soon as possible to kick-start an upcoming recruitment drive.

On that front, Football Insider report that Michael Emenalo is closing in on the job following talks in Saudi Arabia last week.

Given the success he had at Chelsea, let's hope they're right!