EDDIE HOWE admits he cannot make any guarantees about a new signing arriving at Newcastle United before the transfer window closes at the start of next month.

Yesterday’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester City has left Newcastle in tenth position in the table, and they could be in the bottom half by the time they return to action at Aston Villa in a week-and-a-half’s time.

Their squad is almost at breaking point with a dozen senior players unavailable because of injury or suspension, and while Callum Wilson and Jacob Murphy could be available to feature at Villa Park, there is an obvious need for further reinforcements.

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As Howe and Darren Eales have both explained this week though, Newcastle have extremely limited scope for January investment because of the restrictions imposed by the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.

As a result, while Howe would ideally like to bring in at least one new player this month, with midfield an obvious priority position, he is far from certain that will happen.

Kalvin Phillips remains a key target, but Manchester City continue to hold out for a loan fee of around £7m for the England international, who was an unused substitute at St James' Park yesterday.

“Will there be anyone coming in? I don’t know, is the honest answer,” said the Magpies boss. “I’ve got no idea as we sit here now. Obviously, it would be my intention to try, but let’s wait and see.”

Howe confirmed that Tino Livramento missed yesterday’s defeat because of an illness issue rather than an injury problem.