No panic as emergency transfer plan in place

UNITED NEED DEFENDERS IN JANUARY IF INJURED PLAYERS DON'T RETURN

- By LEE RYDER Chief Newcastle writer

NEWCASTLE United owners PIF will carefully assess the opening phase of the transfer window, with Eddie Howe mindful of a host of stars returning from injury in January.

The big question behind the scenes is whether former England World Cup defender Kieran Trippier will get one last dance in a Newcastle shirt as Saudi Pro League clubs monitor his availability at the start of the transfer window.

But Howe - who knows progress in the domestic cups is key to success this term after a poor first half of the season in the Premier League - will hope that the likes of Dan Burn, Sven Botman and Trippier will be at his disposal for the Carabao Cup semifinals against Manchester City.