Newcastle's January transfer plans – with £20m striker among targets

Newcastle manager Jaissle wants to add a striker in January to support his vertical football system, with links to Ivan Toney ruled out.

Newcastle United are exploring striker options in the January transfer window to support manager Matthias Jaissle after a difficult start to his tenure. The club held positive meetings with senior players following defeats and drew 0-0 at Fulham, giving them breathing space before fixtures against Arsenal, Brighton, Manchester United and Sunderland.

Jaissle has identified a need for more goals as central to his "vertical football" strategy, which emphasizes quick forward play after winning possession. While centre-back remains the long-term priority, the manager feels the squad is light on strikers.

Newcastle opted against signing a specialist forward in summer despite considering Yoane Wissa, and Matias Fernandez-Pardo has struggled in his first four Premier League starts.

The club retains financial flexibility for January recruitment, though any signings may require outgoings. A Newcastle source described the striker market as "really barren" across Europe. Links with 30-year-old Ivan Toney are not being pursued.