Eddie Howe will not want to weaken his squad but United could make more additions in the winter
Newcastle United's Will Osula and Joe Willock in training
Newcastle United's Will Osula and Joe Willock
(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Newcastle United managed to add six first-team players to their squad in the summer transfer window, with only four heading through the exit door.
Of that quartet, only Alexander Isak was a regular first-team starter, with Callum Wilson and Sean Longstaff dropping down the pecking order last term, and Martin Dubravka back-up to Nick Pope.
There's no suggestion United will have to sell to continue spending in the January window despite a heavy outlay last month. Newcastle had budgeted for this summer's investment and received £130m from Liverpool for Isak.
However, any new additions could mean some players deciding it's time to leave St James' Park. Eddie Howe's squad is a tight-knit group, but some departures could be on the cards in the winter trading period.
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Joe Willock
The former Arsenal midfielder is yet to appear for United this season after picking up a groin injury in pre-season. He has been named on the bench in the last two Premier League games without being used.
Significantly, Lewis Miley replaced Jacob Ramsey at half-time against Leeds United last time out, and while match fitness will have played a part, you feel Willock has something to prove in the coming months.
He will have a role play when rotation kicks in very soon, but he may want to play more and aged 26, will not want to spend too much time on the sidelines. United would have to bring in more midfield competition first, but have money to spend in January.
Jamaal Lascelles
After putting a year-long injury recovery behind him, Lascelles is now back in the first-team squad, but has four players ahead of him for a centre-back slot.
Malick Thiaw's arrival from AC Milan in the summer, plus the return to fitness of Sven Botman and the continued excellent form of Fabian Schar and Dan Burn, means Lascelles will have to be patient for a chance.
Howe is a big fan of the club captain, but his contract expires next summer and there has been regular interest in his services.
Will Osula
The young forward came close to leaving Newcastle on transfer deadline with a move to Eintracht Frankfurt before United decided to keep him on Tyneside.
There will be interest again in the January window, and if Howe can add more forward options to his squad then Osula could be the man to make way.
He has shown he has the ability to affect games from the bench, but struggled when asked to lead the line against Leeds United. The next few months could have a big impact on his United future.
Lewis Miley
Newcastle will not want to lose the young midfielder, but gametime is the key word here. Miley is likely to feature far more regularly this season, and already played the entire second half at Leeds.
However, if they finds minutes harder to come by then he could push for a potential loan move in January. A permanent deal may be unlikely and any temporary move would depend on United securing new faces in the midfield department. They were linked with Inter's Davide Frattesi in the summer.
Kieran Trippier
You just can't write the experienced full-back off. Trippier has been an outstanding member of this United squad, but can leave for free next summer.
Howe will not want to lose the former England man, who makes significant contributions to the squad not only on the pitch but helping to develop the likes of Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall.
There have been regular offers for the 34-year-old and it would be hard to stand in his way if he decided to move in January, but he will continue to play a role for Newcastle until any future decision is made.