Eddie Howe reveals transfer dilemma at Newcastle United

Speaking to the media this morning, Eddie Howe was once again quizzed on our January transfer plans.

Almost two weeks into the winter window, we're yet to bring in new recruits, but there is a growing belief that signings are essential after recent injuries to Fabian Schar (ankle) and Tino Livramento (hamstring) have left us worryingly light at the back.

The solution is far from simple, however. Howe explained today that PSR remains a big factor, hinting that a short-term answer to our current injury issues can cause a problem in the long-term if it's not the right player.

Howe insists that the board as supportive in their backing, but quite who we can bring in to improve the squad may be easier said than done in a window where so many clubs are reluctant to part with good player mid-season, especially not for fair market value:

"We need to know the full extend of injuries first, then make a decision around that."

"Regarding transfers, everybody is fully supportive. The problem for us is PSR. I don't think there is any issue with anyone saying we can't do this and we can't do that.

"It's more about what we can do, not what we can't do. The key thing for us to consider is business now versus business in the summer.

"It's value for money now vs value for money in the summer, and signing the right player. If you sign the wrong player now you are carrying that for a three, four or five year contract.

"Are the right players available in January? So, there is a lot to discuss and a lot to consider for our short-term needs and long-term decisions for the football club."

For me, with Burn and Krafth still absent and the option to recall Targett not particularly appealing, a defensive signing feels essential when Tino and Schar's injuries look significant.

Not getting the 'right deal' is an issue we may have to absorb when our season could be at stake, whether that's overpaying slightly for a long-term target we'd ideally sign in the summer or bringing in someone on loan who can do a job in the meantime.

Of course, signing the wrong player must be avoided at all costs, but the right player at the wrong price or pursuing the loan market might just be worth it when our current squad is too weak, at present, to compete on four fronts.