Newcastle United are now expected to bring in one or two new players across this month's transfer window, according to journalist Aaron Stokes.

What's the latest?

The Toon go into the January window sitting pretty among the race for the Champions League spots with a two-point cushion to Tottenham Hotspur in fifth place.

But following their takeover from PIF, the Magpies have spent sufficiently in the transfer windows since the owners' arrival on Tyneside.

However, Stokes is not expecting a similar transfer window to what they've seen previously, as he said he would only expect a maximum of two new faces coming through the doors of St James' Park.

Speaking on the Everything is Black & White podcast, he said: "It doesn't look like anything's imminent at the minute from the incoming side, but I think as the window goes on - a lot of it will depend on whether they get through these cup games, especially the Carabao - I think one or two before the end of January is probably most likely."

No need to panic

There is no need for Newcastle to go into this winter window with a determination to spend for the sake of it considering what they've shown in the early stages of this Premier League campaign.

It has been an impressive start from Howe's side and they have so far shown very few weaknesses, having conceded the lowest amount of goals and only lost one of their 18 games.

Newcastle have suffered a number of injuries this season and one of them has been to club-record signing Alexander Isak, who has now been out of action since September with a hamstring injury.

And as the cliche goes, we do think when he returns, he could feel like a new signing for Newcastle given he has only been able to play three times since joining in the summer.

Even in those early appearances for the Toon, the Swede was able to return two goals, which will be a big positive for Howe to take into the latter half of the season.

But given how well Newcastle have fared - even against the 'big six' - we do not think Dan Ashworth needs to panic-buy this month, with fine tweaks to the side potentially the best option.

And considering Howe has expressed his concerns surrounding Financial Fair Play and the belief that a move for one of their main targets, James Maddison, is not an option this month, it could benefit Newcastle in the summer if they do not make any big signings in January.