EDDIE Howe says there is no imminent Newcastle United transfer breakthrough but has stressed the importance of adding to his squad this month.

Newcastle bosses are working hard behind the scenes, with a midfielder the January windowpriority while the club are also assessing goalkeeper and forward options.

Howe's squad has been decimated by injury in the first half of the season and although United are expected to welcome back some key players in the next month, the head coach is still keen to add to his ranks and bolster his options.

He said: "We will assess the month as it goes on. In the short term there's a need to bring players in with the dynamic of the squad currently. We hope we can get players back towards the end of January who can make a difference.

"It (recruitment) is something we are working on behind the scenes and there is a lot of work that has gone on with the recruitment team with us.

"That will never stop, regardless of how active you are in the market. Certainly, currently, there is nothing to give you."

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Howe is relishing the opportunity of a two-week training block with his players after next week's game against Manchester City, though that period could include a cup replay against Sunderland if Saturday's game ends in a draw.

Last season, the Magpies headed for Saudi for a winter training trip during the World Cup break. As things stand, there's no trip planned this season, but that could change.

Howe said: "Not short term. no. Not sort of immediately in the next few weeks.

"It might be something we look at and maybe look at going later into the season. Certainly at the moment, if we were able to train, that would be much welcome."