Newcastle United have been dealt some bad luck recently under Eddie Howe, though that could all be about to change as they eye January reinforcements.
With the international break now here, it is fair to say that the Magpies have endured an underwhelming start to the Premier League campaign despite a £249 million transfer spend.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe
Compounding matters, Newcastle suffered a frustrating defeat to Brentford last Sunday, seeing Dan Burn sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity before an Igor Thiago double put the seal on back-to-back top-flight defeats.
Now, they sit 14th in the Premier League standings and look to be in a bit of a malaise, something that Howe put down to lapses of concentration in the second-half.
He said: "Really difficult second half for us. Whatever could go wrong did go wrong. We didn't respond to the first goal well enough and then the second goal and the red card, which cost us the game.
"We showed a good mentality to our defending in the first half and we stood up to that task. Just that one throw-in and it cost us, and it was a big turning point in the match."
Sven Botman and Kieran Tripper didn’t cover themselves in glory alongside Burn and contributed to a poor defensive display.
Still, once the dust settles, the Geordies will dust themselves down before planning for a busy festive period, starting with a home clash against Manchester City before a trip to face Marseille in the Champions League.
Come January, arrivals will be on their radar, and it appears that Howe is now plotting a solution to his defensive problems that could be cost-efficient.
Newcastle look to beat Premier League competition to Oscar Mingueza
According to AS, Newcastle are eyeing a cut-price deal to sign Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza, who is also being targeted by Premier League pair West Ham United and Aston Villa.
Barcelona hold a 50% sell-on clause on his next move due to his time with their famous La Masia academy, which could prompt the La Liga club to push for a considerable fee to ensure all bases are covered from their end.
Oscar Mingueza in La Liga - 2025/26 (Fotmob)
Chances created
Successful passes
Duels won
Recoveries
Successful crosses
However, Mingueza is out of contract in the summer of 2026, potentially offering up a scenario where a cut-price deal may be conducted as Celta Vigo seize advantage of their last chance to cash in on the versatile central defender.
Making 14 appearances this season, the Spain star has registered one goal and three assists and would be a useful addition, given he can also operate on the right-hand side either in wing-back or advanced midfield role.
Newcastle have held internal talks to sign a defensive midfielder
Set to become a free agent next summer, he is inclined to pay attention to offers before coming to a final conclusion on his future, and Newcastle are racing against the clock to tempt him away from Celta Vigo.