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Newcastle United have had to endure a difficult start to the new Premier League campaign and already find themselves in the bottom three. If the Magpies are to stand any chance of repeating last season’s feat of a 10th-place finish, then they will surely have to strengthen in January.

Mike Ashley is notoriously thrifty when it comes to the transfer market, but some investment in Rafa Benitez’s squad will likely be necessary in the winter transfer window in order to secure the club’s top flight status, and it could even come from Peter Kenyon if he succeeds with a potential takeover bid.

The question is, what area of the squad should that investment be focused upon?

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The Magpies can boast a fairly robust defensive contingent and a reliable goalkeeper. However, their midfield department lacks quality and creativity. In the likes of Jonjo Shelvey and Mohamed Diame though, Benitez ought to have enough to get by until the end of the season.

The area of the squad at St James’ Park in most dire need of a boost is the attacking unit. Despite the summer acquisition of Salomon Rondon - who has failed to hit the ground running in the north east - his contribution, alongside that of Joselu, Ayoze Perez and Yoshinori Muto is unlikely to be enough to fire Newcastle to Premier League safety. Ashley must sanction funds to be spent on bringing in attacking reinforcements in January.

What do you think, Newcastle fans - which area of the squad is in the greatest need of January investment?