EDDIE Howe will seek as much clarity as possible on Newcastle United's injured players and potential return dates ahead of plans being finalised for the January transfer window - but the head coach has ruled out any fringe players leaving the club next month as he looks to ensure the Magpies aren't left short in the second half of the season.

The loan capture of Manchester City's out of favour Kalvin Phillips is a priority for Newcastle, whose midfield issues were laid bare in the Boxing Day defeat to Nottingham Forest.

The Magpies face competition from Juventus, Everton and Crystal Palace but are confident they can win the battle for the 28-year-old, who is desperate for regular action ahead of next summer's European Championships. Manchester City won't stand in the way of Phillips leaving next month, with the midfielder having not made a single Premier League start so far this season.

Newcastle - who have lost five of their last six games in all competitions and face Liverpool and Manchester City next in the Premier League - are also looking at bolstering their forward line and signing a goalkeeper in the wake of the injury suffered by Nick Pope earlier this month. Club legend Alan Shearer this week urged the Magpies to sign a striker and strengthen between the posts - and backed a move for free agent David De Gea, who has been heavily linked.

Howe was last week asked specifically whether he wants to sign a new keeper next month and while the head coach refused to discuss areas of priority and targets, he did say "all options are available to us."

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Newcastle's squad has been stretched to the limit by injuries in the first half of the season but Howe hopes several key players are now nearing a return to action - which will be taken into account as Newcastle prepare for a crucial month on and off the pitch.

"I think we're just trying to make the best decisions for us in January," said Howe.

"We have a lot to consider, there are a lot of discussions to take place with the medical teams to see who will be back fit and when.

"The preference would always be to welcome those players back before signing any new player but if we're not and we see a weakness in the squad in terms of numbers then we'd have to act."

With new signings likely to arrive and the likes of Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock and Elliot Anderson to return in the second half of the season, Howe's options will be bolstered, but he has absolutely no intention of allowing fringe players to leave next month.

He said: "I laugh because losing players isn't on my radar. We don't have enough so absolutely not at the minute."