These 3 signings now desperately needed at Newcastle United

I retain total faith in Eddie Howe, despite our damaging slump over the past month. However, backing from fans will only do so much to ease our struggles.

Since last night's 4-2 defeat at Anfield, it's been highlighted that our owners remain fully behind Howe - as they should be - but it's surely time for them to back him in the transfer market, with our injury-hit squad looking down, depleted and in dire need of a New Year boost.

The past few games have highlighted what we're missing:

1. An athletic defensive midfielder able to cover ground at pace and protect our back four.
2. A right-winger able to compete with an out of sorts Miguel Almiron or versatile forward
3. A centre-back who can add pace and presence to our defence

There's an argument to be made for another goalkeeper, as we've not looked the same since Nick Pope's injury, and our options up top are running thin, with Callum Wilson suffering yet another injury to rule him out of the Tyne and Wear derby.

FFP may not allow us to sign all of the above this month, with some outlets claiming that loans are likely unless we bring some of our summer budget forward. However, at least two of these problem positions must be addressed this month if we're to save our season.

Yes, Willock, Anderson and Barnes may return in the coming month and would hand Howe a huge boost, but that doesn't bring pace to our defence or add a destructive CDM able to protect a back four that looks there for the taking. Liverpool could've scored seven or eight last night and Nottingham Forest cut through us like a knife through butter, bypassing our midfield too easily and bursting past our back line with ease.

As for the right wing, it always baffled me that we didn't address this position over the summer. FFP is undoubtedly an issue, but I was shocked to see another left-winger sign in Barnes when the other flank was in real need of a refresh. For what it's worth, Barnes is a proven Premier League player and I back him to come good when fit, it just seemed an odd call when Gordon has looked at his best in the very position he plays, all while our right side is lacking with Miggy and Murphy (currently injured) are our only options in a Champions League season where another top-four finish was surely the aim.

I suspect big-money moves for a pacey centre-back and top right winger may wait until the summer, where more money will be available and our top targets more attainable, but a holding midfielder and versatile forward able to freshen up our fatigued attack feel absolutely essential this month.