Newcastle showed the required heart and resolve to record a dramatic 3-3 draw against Manchester United on Tuesday night, which the St James’ Park faithful will hope can be a springboard to consistently better form.

The Tyneside outfit find themselves in the bottom three and as such a progressive January transfer window is needed to keep the Magpies out of trouble.

Both Henri Saviet and Jonjo Shelvey have been added to Steve McClaren’s contingent already this month, but the Newcastle fans will expect more new faces in the battle to stave off demotion to The Championship.

As such, here are five players that the North East club should be looking at to help in their bid to stay in the top flight...

Loic Remy

A former favourite at St James and a lethal attacker when given a chance to play, Remy is rotting away on the bench at Chelsea.

With Diego Costa looking to be getting back to form and the Blues likely to bring in another forward before the window closes, there is a chance that the Frenchman could leave Stamford Bridge.

A loan move for the remainder of the campaign would be the ideal tonic for both a player desperate to play a part at Euro 2016 and a club in dire need of additional attacking weaponry.

Andros Townsend

The England international has well and truly been frozen out at Tottenham, with a January exit looking almost certain.

Although a host of other Premier League teams are also interested in the flying winger, the North East side are thought to be a frontrunner.

Townsend would bring an unpredictability and drive to the Newcastle flanks, which would in turn make McClaren’s side a more dangerous outfit.

Charlie Austin

Although the signs are there that Aleksandar Mitrovic is starting to get to grips with English football, it may well be that the 21-year-old Serb is one for the future, once he has matured and adapted to his new environment fully.

As such, bringing in someone like Austin who has proven he has what it takes to score consistently in the top tier would take a lot of goalscoring responsibility away from the former Anderlecht striker.

Another player that looks to be available and with considerable calibre, McClaren’s strike options would be a lot more comprehensive with the QPR man at his disposal.

Victor Valdes

With Tim Krul out for the rest of the season due to a cruciate injury, Newcastle could use an experienced and tested goalkeeper to add confidence to a shaking backline.

Although Rob Elliot has performed well since being given the chance, both he and alternative stopper Karl Darlow have been guilty of costly mistakes at times this season.

Valdes is desperate for a scenery change and would bring a world of experience and success to a Newcastle squad in need of a lift.

Jonjo Shelvey

A player already signed by the Geordies, Shelvey has all the attributes to make Newcastle a more competitive and able side from the centre of the park.

Extra competition for Jack Colback and Vurnon Anita, the England international’s range of passing, determination and drive will be key to Newcaslte’s chances of avoiding the drop.

A clever signing and someone with practical Premier League experience, McClaren will expect his £12 million man to hit the ground run and make an almost immediate impression.