Divock Origi is among the possible targets for Newcastle United when the transfer window opens in just over a month's time. 

That's according to The Northern Echo's chief sports writer Scott Wilson, who tweeted that the Magpies are 'stepping up [their] plans' for what is shaping up to be a crucial January transfer window - after 12 Premier League games, they find themselves bottom of the table and without a win.

The lowdown

Origi, one of the players to whom they may turn as they look to lift themselves from the mire, has been restricted to just 16 minutes of Premier League football for Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool this season.

However the Belgian is seizing opportunities when they come. Across his seven appearances in all competitions (including three in the Champions League) he has been directly involved in five goals, scoring three and setting up two more (via Transfermarkt).

The 26-year-old's £60,000-per-week contract is up at the end of the season, but it could be extended if the requirements of a performance option are met.

The latest

According to Wilson, Eddie Howe apparently wants to 'heavily prioritise' targets who are 'proven Premier League players'.

Newcastle's ownership, for their part, are particularly keen on players who are struggling for game-time at their current clubs, hence why Origi is regarded as a potential loan option ahead of January.

The verdict

Origi certainly meets Newcastle's criteria. He is struggling to dislodge the likes of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane at Anfield, but there's no real shame in that.

Over the course of his Premier League career, he has a respectable return of one goal every 170 minutes, while Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders even dubbed him 'one of the world's best finishers'.

The problem for Newcastle is that Mane and Salah are due to head to the Africa Cup of Nations in January, so the Reds might want to keep Origi around as a much-needed option for their attack. That could certainly complicate the Magpies' chances of doing a mid-season deal for the Belgian.

In other news, this goalkeeper wants to join Newcastle