Journalist Lee Ryder has given his verdict on comments from Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe about a move for a forward this month.

The Lowdown: Howe wants a forward

Speaking in his most recent press conference (20:17), Howe joked that the club were looking for 'a football player' in the January window.

Howe went to state that he wasn't looking for a 'like-for-like' replacement for Chris Wood, who left this month on loan to fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forest.

This leaves the Magpies with only two natural forwards in the squad in the form of Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak.

The duo have nine goals between them in the Premier League this season, though Wilson hasn't scored in his last seven league matches.

The Latest: Ryder gives NUFC striker verdict

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ryder said that the Newcastle manager was making light of the situation but insisted they must get someone in following the exit of Wood.

He stated: "The big message, the big headline, if you like, was the club are trying. They've got eight days left to try and get this signing over the line.

"Eddie Howe trying to almost make light of it just saying he's trying to sign a football player, to the amusement of the press conference.

"But to be totally honest, he needs to get somebody over the line because obviously, Chris Wood departed last week and Newcastle are going to be short if they get an injury in that frontline. They're going to be short and there's no escaping that."

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The Verdict: The goals are drying up

We think Newcastle need to bring in at least one attacker of some description, which would offer them a different dynamic for the rest of the season.

When you look at the Premier League table, the Magpies are in an amazing position, sitting third in the league and six points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur who are currently their closest challengers in terms of the top four.

But the cracks may be starting to show for Howe's side, who despite only losing once this season, have drawn three out of their last six Premier League games.

The goals are beginning to dry up as well, as in their last four league games, they've only found the back of the net on one occasion, which came in a 1-0 victory against Fulham.

Adding a new forward could offer them a fresh goalscoring alternative to a team that in recent times has sorely lacked that clinical edge in front of goal.