Our Newcastle United fans here in the Transfer Tavern were hoping that Rafa Benitez could have pulled more rabbits out of the hat in this winter window. Indeed, life hasn’t been all too exciting on Tyneside of late.

Few would doubt that Newcastle are in desperate need of reinforcements right through the team and, after a horrendous summer transfer, the Magpies should have gone harder to bring players in.

Mike Ashley and the board have been caught up in takeover talks for the past few months, with it not really going anywhere, much to the annoyance of the Toon Army in the bar. Only late on has Benetiz been given the green light to allow players in, which may be too little too late as they are set to miss out on many of their targets.

After a flying start to life back in England’s top flight, things haven’t been the best for Benitez and his men. With that in mind, our landlord today, takes a look at TWO players Newcastle may regret not signing come to the end of the season…

Alfred Finnbogason

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hD72y366FB8

The Augsburg forward is currently the club’s leading scorer over in the Bundesliga, with his 11 goals in 18 appearances so far. The Icelandic striker would have been a welcome addition to the Toon and with his prolific eye for goal, this is something Newcastle desperately need.

Newcastle have struggled in front of goal and our regulars feel that a new face upfront would be the perfect tonic to what has been a turbulent few months.

Jonathan Viera

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVnxrKnkSok

The Spanish attacking midfielder is currently playing in La Liga with Las Palmas and his strengths include finding the through ball in the final third. Well, Newcastle desperately need a player like this to start creating more chances up front. Indeed, so far this season, he has four goals and three assists while playing through the middle.

Viera would have come cheap and with his side struggling also in La Liga, the midfielder comes with the experience of a dogfight already in him.