Newcastle United may already be planning ahead regarding what they want to do in the January transfer window to bolster Eddie Howe's squad.

Dan Ashworth brought in Sven Botman, Nick Pope, Matt Targett, and Alexander Isak during the summer, along with Loris Karius after the deadline passed, but the work never stops and he should be looking at players who could potentially come in during the winter.

The Magpies were linked with a swoop for Marco Asensio from Real Madrid in the summer and he could be a target once again in 20223.

Speaking on his YouTube channel recently, Fabrizio Romano explained the Spaniard's situation, saying: “But remember, Marco Asensio will be available on a free next summer because at the moment there is no agreement to extend his contract with Real Madrid. And it could be a factor this free agent story for Marco Asensio because some clubs are already exploring this possibility for next summer to sign Asensio on a free.

“So the January market depends on how these clubs will move on a potential free transfer for next summer or for another it will try to extend this contract but at the moment, still no agreement with Asensio and he wants to feel important. So, one to watch in January or on June as a free agent."

Ashworth must now swoop for the Spain international in January as he would be an upgrade on Scottish winger Ryan Fraser in the second half of the campaign.

The £165k-per-week forward has racked up 12 goals and two assists in 21 starts in La Liga and the Champions League combined since the start of last season.

Fraser, who is two years older than Asensio, has managed two goals and three assists in 21 Premier League starts in the same time and this suggests that the Spaniard would offer far more in front of goal.

The 26-year-old has also been praised by ex-Real Madrid players Guti and Raul in the past. The former said:

“Asensio is a lot better player than I was. He has an unlimited ceiling, his head is very well furnished and will depend on what he wants to do in the world of football. The future is in his feet.”

Raul added: “He has much to offer now and a great future ahead of him. He’s a young guy, eager to work and he’s currently doing very well.”

In terms of fitting in with Eddie Howe's pressing style of play, Asensio and Fraser both average between 10 and 11 pressures per 90 and this means that they both offer a similar level of quality in that regard.

Therefore, the Real Madrid man would be an upgrade on the Magpies' current right winger as there is little difference between them off the ball and he offers far more than the Scot in front of goal, which could elevate the attacking potential of the Newcastle team with his ability to consistently find the back of the net.