The business end of Newcastle United's summer transfer window was spent attempting to persuade Crystal Palace to part ways with their club captain, Marc Guehi.
With less than a month until the January window opens for business, the Eagles' defender was back in the spotlight on Saturday as he led his side out in the 1-1 draw with the Magpies, redeeming for his own goal at one end with a late assist at the other. However, while [Eddie Howe](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/all-about/eddie-howe) was asked about his admiration for Guehi before the clash in the capital, afterwards all the attention was on whether his side would be able to splash the cash on a forward this time next month.
"Fully-fit Premier League strikers, who can score goals, will cost us an extortionate amount of money, that we don’t have. We have got to back the players that we do have," Howe told reporters at Selhurst Park.
“I know that we have got players who will score and create. I have got no issue with the quality of the players we have got."
Howe may be happy with his attacking options but it's clear [Newcastle](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/all-about/newcastle-united-fc) need to see a marked improvement in front of goal after a tricky start to the campaign. The north east outfit have scored just 14 goals in 13 Premier League outings and failed to register a single shot on goal against 19th-placed Crystal Palace over the weekend.
Going back further, Howe's side have failed to score against West Ham United, Everton and Brighton, while Fulham, Bournemouth, Manchester City and Chelsea have also taken points from them in recent months.
In front of goal, Alexander Isak and Harvey Barnes have four goals apiece this term, in the league, while Anthony Gordon and Joelinton have found the net just twice. Fabian Schar also has one strike to his name.
Meanwhile, at the back, Newcastle look assured and strong. Dan Burn has proved a revelation since moving back into the middle from left-back, while Sven Botman's return from an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury nears with each passing day. Throw in Schar, Emil Krafth, Lloyd Kelly and Alex Murphy and there's an argument to suggest Howe may be able to manage without Guehi or another central defensive addition until the summer.
Newcastle staff, including sporting director Paul Mitchell, saw Guehi up close on Saturday as he bounced back from his unfortunate error, enjoying a solid performance at the heart of Palace's defence. Those in attendance will have no doubt liked what they witnessed but with the Magpies in a position where they need to sell to buy next month, finding extra attacking firepower may trump bringing the England international to St James' Park in the short term.